The project
The organization responsible for the project is "Fundació Catalana de l'Esplai", a well-known name in Catalan volunteering. For over 30 years, Fundesplai has been committed to the education of children and young people, the strengthening of leisure organizations and the third sector, the improvement of the environment, and the promotion of social inclusion and citizenship, with a strong drive for change. The organization organizes a range of leisure and educational activities, such as school camps, training camps, and training for trainers. In 2024, Fundesplai's projects reached 417,664 people, and annually more than 500 people participated in the projects.
“Beyond the Vineyard: The Heritage of Drystone Walls” is a project centered on drystone walls, which have been declared cultural heritage by UNESCO. The participants will restore a massive stone wall in a vineyard area and a stone shepherd’s hut. They will also work on a trench complex from the English Civil War to make it more accessible to visitors. Subirat is a rural area with small towns and villages, so the impact is significant. The participants are supported by experts from the CESUB Subirat Historical Study Group and meet with local residents to collaborate on preserving the area’s historical and cultural heritage. Working hours are from Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. There is a mid-morning break to rest and have a snack. However, the schedule may be adjusted depending on weather conditions. Weekends and free time are reserved for visits and independent activities.
Volunteer work
Restoration and maintenance of the drystone walls between the centers of Ordal and Saint Paul of Ordal. Restoration and maintenance of the remains of trenches from the English Civil War in the same area. Restoration of a shepherd's hut near the archaeological site of Subirats. Localization of drystone structures using the Wikipedia Portal. Maintenance work in Saint Paul's Ordal (maintenance of public banks and children's playground). Construction and installation of nesting boxes.
Accommodation
The project participants are accommodated in “ZER Montcau”, a multi-purpose room at a school in the center of L’Ordal. There is a large patio, toilets, showers, a kitchen, and a large sleeping area. Volunteers sleep indoors in bunk beds, men and women together. Volunteers should bring a thin sleeping bag, pillow, and bedding (optional). Volunteers can also use the swimming pool at the school. As it can be very hot in the summer, it is advisable to bring cotton and light clothing. The organizing agency strongly recommends wearing long-sleeved shirts and T-shirts during working hours and a hat for sun protection. Volunteers have the opportunity to swim in the pool at the accommodation. Catering is provided for the volunteers, and snacks and fruit are provided during breaks. There are vegetarian/vegan options, as well as options that take other cultural reasons and allergies into account.
Leisure
The rest of the time is dedicated to relaxation, swimming, and other activities. Excursions and other activities are organized on weekends. Free time and recreational activities include group games, workshops, and cultural activities to learn more about Catalan culture and the vineyard tradition in the area. Participants visit cultural and historical sites and museums in Subirats, a wine and champagne factory, as well as Vilafranca del Penedès, the Catalan wine capital. They will also visit the city of Barcelona, which is only 45 km from the accommodation, and participate in rehearsals with a group of "castellers," where they learn how Catalan human towers are built.
Travel
The meeting point is in Ordal, in front of the local school "El Montcau d’Ordal". Volunteers will receive an email with detailed information from the organizing body prior to the project.
You arrange the travel to your project yourself. IBO asks all volunteers to travel in the most sustainable way possible, so preferably by train or bus. What you at least can do, is compensate your CO2 emissions. You can find more information about this on the website of Milieu Centraal. You can also compensate your emissions via IBO, by donating to our partner’s tree planting project in Uganda. You can read more about that here..
Preparation
IBO offers a good preparation for your volunteering work abroad.You will receive a digital information package and an invitation to a preparation meeting. Read more about the proces from departure until return.
Cost
IBO asks €50 registration fee. In addition, you pay a participation fee of €189 for this project. You can also become an IBO-supporter, then you do not pay a registration fee.
Would you like to know more about how your contribution is made and how it is spent? Read about the costs for participation.
Register
Register as a volunteer at IBO here.