Natur&ëmwelt Presents Participatory Nature Conservation Project Series

In the latest in a series of articles about current conservation issues, experts at natur&ëmwelt, a leading nature conservation NGO in Luxembourg, spoke to Chronicle.lu about their series of participatory nature conservation projects known as “Chantiers Nature”.

Natur&ëmwelt volunteer Claire Schroeder helped collect the relevant information from the NGO for this article.

As the end of 2023 draws nearer, it is time to take care of the environment and get it ready for next year... 

Chronicle.lu: What exactly is a “Chantier Nature’”?

Natur&ëmwelt: As the name entails, a “Chantier Nature” is an event during which volunteers can actively participate in the maintenance and conservation of the country’s natural environment. Between the months of September and March, various essential actions are put forward to which volunteers can donate their time in the name of setting up our natural environment for the utmost success the following year. Every year, between 20 and 30 “Chantiers Nature” take place across the country.

Chronicle.lu: And these events are organised by natur&ëmwelt?

Natur&ëmwelt: Exactly. Originating from the work of the local sections in the 1980s, these projects are a longstanding tradition still organised by the local sections of the organisation today. Since their conception, volunteers have been aiding in clearing, pruning and maintaining the land of the natur&ëmwelt foundation through these “Chantiers Nature”. These events take place all over the country, principally on the land masses that the natur&ëmwelt foundation “Hëllef fir d’Natur” have acquired for their natural wealth and biodiversity and that they aim to protect amongst an evergrowing urban landscape.

Chronicle.lu: What exactly do these days entail?

Natur&ëmwelt: Usually planned on weekend[s], these events can last from a few hours to whole days. Some examples of activities include pruning fruit trees, picking apples in the orchards, clearing ponds, mowing and clearing out prairies and repairing nest boxes. Beyond being hugely beneficial, these events are also a wonderful opportunity to learn more about our environment, how to protect it and come together with like-minded people in a friendly atmosphere.

Chronicle.lu: How are these projects helpful?

Natur&ëmwelt: Throughout the country, there are various types of biotopes - reedbeds, orchards, various bodies of water and dry meadows, to name just a few. To preserve these biotopes, they must be maintained, and this is where the “Chantiers Nature” come in. For example, dry meadows are home to wild orchids. While orchids are content with rather poor soil, they require a lot of sunlight to thrive. In order to give them a chance, weeds and grasses have to be trimmed to allow light to reach them. Incidentally, what is beneficial for orchids, is also beneficial for other flowers, which in turn is beneficial for many insects.

Chronicle.lu: Can anyone participate?

Natur&ëmwelt: Absolutely! You don’t need any prior knowledge or ability - just some weather and activity appropriate clothing, some time and a great attitude! Some of the “Chantier Nature” days are appropriate for children and make for a fun and different family day out. Any tools and everything that you will need to know will be given and explained to you on the day. Not to mention - there are snacks.

Chronicle.lu: How can interested individuals get involved?

Natur&ëmwelt: Getting involved is super easy! Simply visit natur&ëmwelt’s website and check out the 2023-2024 agenda: https://www.naturemwelt.lu/fit-by-nature-chantiers-nature-2023-2024/. Once you’ve found an activity (or twelve) that you’re interested in, just sign up. And that’s it, time to get to work- we’ll see you outside!