On the Expedition
Help increase biodiversity among Bordeaux's famous vineyards and farms.
In the heart of France's picturesque and world-renowned wine growing region of Bordeaux, you’ll be introduced to the biodiversity associated with viticulture at Chateau Les Vergnes. After receiving an overview of viticulture and the science on which the biodiversity enhancement project is based from Dr. Maarten Van Helden, you’ll monitor and assess the biodiversity of the vineyard. As a volunteer, you’ll also help test and improve current viticulture methods for enhancing biodiversity, and help researchers gather data for farmers on how their practices could be modified to benefit surrounding wildlife.
Meals and Accommodations
You'll stay at Domaine du Moulin des Sandaux, in wooden chalet style bungalows on either side of a small stream around an old mill house building. Each bungalow has several bedrooms, as well as bathrooms with hot showers and a small living room. Teams will meet in the main house for meals and presentations, and can enjoy afternoons by the pool. A cook will provide typical French cuisine, including local and homemade delicacies.
About the Research Area
The Château is located to the south of the Dordogne River amid gently rolling hills. The vineyard, which covers 120 hectares, is bordered on one side by a low-lying stream known as la Gravouse. While the area is dominated by grape production, the landscape also includes small patches of woodland and plantations, meadows and arable fields. The meadows are notable for their floral richness, including several orchid species.
The Château itself is typical of the area. Built in the 18th century and enclosing a large central courtyard, though only a few rooms are in a usable condition at present. Several of these rooms will be used for lectures and discussions and a field laboratory will be also be set up at the Château.