🇮🇹 ESC Volunteering in Italy 🌳 Agroforestry Planting and a Community Nativity Scene 🎄

Description

A forest is a living system made of relationships. Starting from this idea, a team of young international volunteers will spend Christmas in Buccino, a small village in inland Southern Italy, as a temporary transformative community. A different Christmas: not about shopping, but about people, nature and traditions, shared with a welcoming local community. Volunteers will plant agroforestry lines at the “Mimì & Peppino” Pedagogical Garden in Buccino, at the Cantiere Educativo in Postiglione and, with Hariba, within the Habitat Lab project in Oliveto Citra, preparing planting areas, mulching, composting, protecting young trees and creating habitats for biodiversity. At the heart of the experience is the presepe (nativity scene), which volunteers will build together with the local community. They will also join a day of traditional olive harvest. Non-formal learning sessions and Youthpass reflection accompany the field work.

Accommodation, food and transport arrangements

Volunteers will be hosted in shared accommodation in Buccino, mainly at Casa Mòvesi, with shared bedrooms and common spaces. Food is organised through shared grocery provision and self-managed cooking: volunteers take turns preparing meals and caring for the kitchen and common areas. Local transport to project activities, including the plantings in Postiglione and Oliveto Citra, is organised by the project team. International travel is reimbursed according to ESC distance bands. Pocket money, food support and insurance are provided according to ESC rules.

Training during the activity

Volunteers will receive non-formal and informal training through artistic workshops, practical activities, community work and experiential learning. The activity will be coordinated by Francesco Verderese and Mario Panzarella, who will guide the group throughout the project. On arrival, volunteers will be introduced to the ESC and Youthpass, group life, safety in outdoor work, basic gardening tools and agroforestry principles. Field work on planting, soil and biodiversity and the building of the presepe will be accompanied by regular group reflection and Youthpass learning moments.

Participant profile

We are looking for young people aged 18-30 with a practical attitude, artistic sensitivity and manual skills, who enjoy crafts, working outdoors and living in a small rural community. Previous experience in permaculture or agroforestry projects will be considered an asset. One place in the team is reserved for a volunteer dedicated to communication: photos, video, social media and storytelling of the project. Knowledge of Italian will be a preferential requirement. Most of all, we look for motivation, curiosity and willingness to take an active part in group life.

Activity details

Activity type

Volunteering teams

Activity dates

From 30/11/2026 to 04/01/2027

Location

Buccino, Italy

Deadline

15/11/2026

Project code

2026-1-IT03-ESC51-VTJ-000401911

Topics

Looking for participants from

36 countries can apply. The activity takes place in 🇮🇹 Italy.