Conservation Volunteer Project, Spain

This project offers volunteers who enjoy the outdoors the chance to take part in projects undertaken in the Valencia region aimed at the protection of biodiversity and ecosystems from degradation, the improvement of water resources, the prevention of forest fires, the reforestation of the land with native species and the conservation of natural habitats and species in danger of extinction.

Volunteers participating in this project will make a difference in conserving and improving knowledge about the environment and the Spanish natural heritage, helping promote land stewardship as a tool to project and conserve the region and its natural, cultural and landscape values, and minimizing the environmental impact of agriculture and tourism.

Although the Valencia region is better known for its extensive coastline, its inland areas are home to diverse ecosystems with unique flora and fauna in the Mediterranean. A landscape dotted with hills and mountains, rivers, forest, islands and wetlands, offering incredible contrasts, like the Albufera Natural Park, the River Turia Park and Sierra Calderona. During this project, volunteers will experience different Spanish ecosystems and contribute in a practical way to the conservation of the Valencia Region environment.

Located at only 15 kilometres from the city, the Albufera Natural Park is one of the most important wetland areas of Spain and one of the most emblematic and important places of Valencia because of its biodiversity and great ecological interest. Home to a wide range of wildlife, especially water, wading and migratory birds, and also species in danger of extinction, is declared by the European Union as a place of Special protection. But  Albufera also supports intense agricultural (cultivation of rice), industrial, hunting and touristic uses whose consequences have been breaking the balance. The conservation work performed by the volunteers will assist local teams with the recovery plan and park management activities.

Typical volunteer tasks include:

• Working at the Albufera Natural Park and other wetlands to improve the quality of the water and ecosystems.
• Dune and beach conservation
• Turtle monitoring
• Restoring bird habitats and bird ringing
• Flora and fauna surveys and data collection
• Tree planting and forest fire prevention
• Eradicating invasive vegetation and general park maintenance

Location

Valencia is the third-largest city in Spain and has a subtropical Mediterranean climate with mild winters and long hot summers. Known for its extensive coastline, Valencia is home to diverse ecosystems with unique flora and fauna. A land of contrasts, it is dotted with rivers, forests, hills, mountains, islands and wetlands. Albufera Natural Park is one of the most emblematic places in Valencia due to its biodiversity and ecological interest. Declared a place of Special Protection by the European Union the park is home to a wide range of wildlife, specifically water, wading and migratory birds. At the heart of the Valencia community and just a short distance from Alicante and Ibiza, is Denia, with stretches of beach and its warm climate, it is a popular tourist destination.

Accommodation

Living in a single room in a shared apartment is the standard accommodation for volunteers, and gives participants the chance to live with other students and volunteers from other countries. Each apartment has three to four bedrooms and one or two bathrooms which are shared with other participants. The apartments have fully equipped kitchens, a lounge with TV, internet access, a washing machine and an iron.

The apartments in Valencia are in the same building (second and sixth floor) so it’s easy for volunteers to meet together to go out or to go to the projects. The area has many amenities close by, the underground/subway is just 3 to 4 minutes walk from the apartments.

The meeting point for Conservation project volunteers is just behind the building, and the city centre is 2 underground stops away or a 25-minute walk. The beach is also around a 25-minute walk or 10 minutes by public transport. Volunteers can also hire a bike to get around the city, Valencia is a very bike-friendly city and easy to travel everywhere!

There is also the option to live in a homestay with a local family, with half-board provided, or in a shared twin room rather than a single in the apartments.

Volunteer Requirements

Volunteer group photo in ValenciaVolunteers joining the Conservation Projects must be 18 years or older and should be fit and physically prepared to work in open environments, and also able to swim. A basic level of Spanish is also recommended. Volunteers should also be flexible, self-motivated, and willing to work in often hot outdoor conditions. Due to the weather conditions & project schedule, the activities may vary from week to week but will be a combination of the listed activities in the Project section.

N.B. You can still join this project if you have no Spanish, to begin with – we can arrange a Spanish course for you before you start your volunteering.

Project Dates

You can volunteer in Spain for a minimum of 2 weeks, with no maximum stay. We can also accept families with children & large groups for this project. You can join the project all year round apart from during the month of August.