Stories by the lake EYA

Second oldest workcamp in YRS focuses on the natural protected reserve "Kraljevac" and what it has to offer to the locals and visitors. In order to preserve the important balance in the zone, volunteers will work on the areas around the lake, cleaning up the bank, taking care of the fishing place, restoring the paths, etc. There are, also, some bad plants (roots, invasive species) that need to be removed, so that the eco-system can thrive. Also, some areas with long grass will be cut and restored in order. Benches and places for visitors will be fixed, if necessary.

All volunteers and camp-leaders will be accommodated in the Education and Research Centre in Special Natural Reserve Kraljevac in 2-bed, 3-bed and 5-bed rooms (linen included, sleeping bag is not required) with shared toilets and showers. Volunteers will be provided with a cute kitchen with all the facilities and groceries will be brought to them in order that they can cook.

On the edge of Deliblatska peščara (Deliblato Sands, the largest sand area in Europe), in the midst of the Vojvodina plains, in the picturesque village of Deliblato, lies an oasis of peace-Special Nature Reserve Kraljevac. Lake Kraljevac with its floating and permanently anchored islands, surrounding reedbeds, woodlands, meadows, and pastures supports a rich diversity of plant and animal life. Floating islands continually change the surrounding landscape, so sometimes it all gives an impression of being in some magical lands. Those islands, together with the permanently anchored ones are remnants of lowland peat bogs, globally one of the rarest and most threatened habitats, so they represent one of Serbia’s last refuges of the relict plant community of Marsh Fern and Grey Willow. The area is also part of internationally important zone for protected birds (IBA). Many of them live in surroundings or come by to eat. Purple and squacco heron (Ardea purpurea, Ardeola ralloides), night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), alcids (Alcidae) are just some among many different species that visit the area. During leisure hours volunteers will have a chance to go on boat rides to get to know surrounding nature. Also, excursions to the interesting places nearby can be organized. For the end, there is possibility that the volunteers will participate in educational workshops with local children. As this workcamp will be part of the "European youth in action" project, volunteers in this workcamp will have a chance to learn about climate justice, biodiversity and greenwashing through workshops organized by the youth leaders in the project. Just bing the patience and smile and it will be one unforgettable adventure!