🇵🇹 ESC Volunteering in Portugal 🌲 Forest Protection & Outdoor Activity Project 🇵🇹

Introduction

If you want a short-term ESC experience fully immersed in nature, this volunteering teams project in Portugal is built around environmental protection, outdoor work, and active lifestyles. “Active Forest III” focuses on maintaining forest ecosystems while improving access to natural spaces for the local community.

This project combines physical activity, environmental awareness, and community impact. Volunteers will work directly on forest paths and cycling routes, contributing to sustainability while also learning how to promote natural spaces and develop outdoor-based activities.

📌 Activity Dates

31 August 2026 – 11 September 2026

📅 Application Deadline

19 June 2026 (23:59)

👥 Eligible Countries

🇦🇹 Austria 🇧🇪 Belgium 🇭🇷 Croatia 🇨🇿 Czechia 🇩🇰 Denmark 🇫🇷 France 🇩🇪 Germany 🇬🇷 Greece 🇮🇪 Ireland 🇮🇹 Italy 🇱🇮 Liechtenstein 🇱🇺 Luxembourg 🇳🇱 Netherlands 🇵🇹 Portugal 🇷🇴 Romania 🇪🇸 Spain

🧩 Activities & Methodology

🌲 Maintenance and protection of native forest species
🚴 Improving pedestrian and cycling routes
🛠️ Enhancing accessibility, comfort, and usability of trails
🌿 Supporting forest cleaning and environmental actions
📢 Promoting natural spaces and outdoor activities
🏃 Engaging in physical activity within natural environments

🎯 Objectives

🌍 Protect and maintain local forest ecosystems
🚶 Improve accessibility and usability of forest paths
🏃 Promote active lifestyles through outdoor activities
📢 Increase visibility and use of natural routes locally and internationally
📈 Support personal and professional development of volunteers

🏠 Accommodation & Food

🏨 Individual rooms in an aparthotel (private bathroom, AC, TV, internet)
🍳 Fully equipped shared kitchen available
🚲 Bicycles provided (including electric options)
💶 Financial support provided for food and pocket money

💸 Financial Conditions

💶 Food and pocket money allowance provided
🏠 Accommodation fully covered
✈️ Travel costs reimbursed according to ESC rules

✈️ Travel

✈️ Travel reimbursed according to ESC distance calculator
🚲 Local transport supported with bicycles and alternative transport

🎓 Certification

📜 Youthpass certificate provided

🛬 Arrival & Departure

📍 Vila Nova de Poiares, Portugal
🗓️ Participation required for full activity duration

🎓 Training During the Activity

💻 Pre-departure virtual meetings and introduction sessions
🚑 Training on basic life support
🌲 Environmental and forest activity training with experts
🤝 Introduction to local partner organisations

✅ Participant Profile

🌲 Interest in environmental protection and forest work
🏃 Motivation for outdoor physical activities
🛠️ Basic knowledge of woodwork or forest maintenance (advantage)
💡 Entrepreneurial mindset to develop and promote activities
🗣️ Good level of English required
🤝 Responsible, active, and team-oriented attitude

🗣️ Working Language

🗣️ English (mandatory)

📝 Application Method

Apply via the European Youth Portal using the project code.

📎 Application Link

🌐 Official Page
https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/opportunity/50592_en

⚠️ Important Notice

1️⃣ Source of Information
This announcement has been prepared based on the information provided by the project coordinator.
2️⃣ Responsibility for Content
The project coordinator is solely responsible for the accuracy, details, and updates of the opportunity content.
3️⃣ Right to Modify or Withdraw
Coordinating organisations reserve the right to make changes after publication — including dates, activity details, or application deadlines — or to withdraw the announcement entirely.
4️⃣ Disclaimer of Liability
YouthWorks Hub is not responsible for any such changes, updates, or cancellations made by the project coordinators.
💡 Final Note:
All listings are shared for informational purposes only. Please always verify details directly through the official project coordinator or programme website before applying.