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Want to volunteer in bird conservation in Greece? Our Travel Roots Ornithological Habitat Conservation Program is an opportunity to support vulnerable bird species while gaining hands-on field experience in one of the most ecologically unique regions of the Mediterranean.
Based on the island of Kalamos, you'll help monitor native and migratory bird populations, identify nesting and feeding sites, and collect data critical for long-term ecological planning. From early-morning bird counts and wetland mapping to habitat restoration and acoustic monitoring, your work directly contributes to protecting fragile ecosystems.
Gain valuable field skills in ornithology and ecological surveying
Not only will you learn how to identify species and interpret bird behaviour, you'll also work with environmental data collection techniques, acoustic equipment, and mapping tools alongside conservationists and local experts.Experience real-time conservation
Your tasks may include clearing invasive vegetation, protecting nesting grounds, recording migratory patterns, and supporting the ecological recovery of wetlands, cliffsides, and coastlines.Live simply, live purposefully
This is your chance to live in harmony with nature in an off-grid base camp. Embrace sustainable living, solar-powered facilities, and a community committed to long-term environmental stewardship.Work in a dedicated, eco-conscious team
Join a diverse team of international volunteers and passionate locals as you collaborate on meaningful conservation work. Share skills, stories, and purpose as you contribute to a healthier planet.Key Activities:
• Conduct early-morning bird counts and behavioural observations
• Collect and analyse acoustic data to track avian presence and vocalisations
• Restore and manage bird nesting sites and critical habitats
• Map wetland and coastal areas for conservation planning
• Participate in community education around bird protection and habitat careThis project is ideal for aspiring ecologists, bird lovers, and anyone wanting to reconnect with nature while leaving a positive legacy on one of Europe’s most threatened biodiversity hotspots.
By volunteering on our Ornithological Habitat Conservation program in Greece, you will:
• Support vulnerable and migratory bird species across an ecologically critical island
• Gain hands-on field experience in bird monitoring, habitat mapping, and acoustic analysis
• Live off-grid in a peaceful, purpose-driven eco-community committed to conservation
• Build practical skills in environmental data collection, teamwork, and sustainable living
• Immerse yourself in one of Europe’s most beautiful yet overlooked biodiversity regions
• Contribute directly to long-term bird protection and habitat restoration strategiesWhat to Expect: A Day in the Life of a Bird Conservation Volunteer
Life on Kalamos Island moves with nature’s rhythm, and your daily routine will reflect the quiet commitment of meaningful conservation. While no two days are exactly the same, here’s what a typical day might look like:
6:30 AM – Morning Bird Monitoring
Start the day early to take advantage of peak bird activity. You’ll hike to key observation points and conduct bird counts using binoculars and field guides, documenting sightings and behaviours.8:00 AM – Volunteer Breakfast
Return to base for a shared breakfast with fellow volunteers, prepared using local and seasonal ingredients.9:00 AM – Habitat Restoration
Spend the late morning assisting with conservation tasks like clearing invasive species, maintaining bird hides and observation sites, or setting up nesting boxes in coastal and wetland areas.12:00 PM – Lunch Break
Relax and recharge with a healthy, plant-based meal at the volunteer house. It’s also a chance to share field notes and data collected in the morning.1:30 PM – Data Entry & Acoustic Monitoring
Upload bird count logs or listen to acoustic recordings to identify species-specific calls. Learn how to use soundscape ecology tools to track biodiversity trends.3:30 PM – Community Awareness or Mapping Projects
Afternoons may include GPS mapping of habitat zones, prepping education materials, or visiting the nearby village for awareness campaigns about bird conservation.5:00 PM – Free Time
Enjoy the freedom to swim in the Aegean, hike along coastal trails, or simply relax in a hammock with a good book.7:00 PM – Group Dinner
Gather with the team for a hearty meal and good conversation as the sun sets over the Ionian Sea.Evening
Occasional optional activities may include nocturnal species monitoring, star-gazing, or documentary nights focused on conservation and ecology.Days Off
You’ll have two free days per week to explore Kalamos or nearby islands, visit local beaches, or take part in arranged cultural activities. Whether it’s hiking to remote monasteries or snorkelling in crystal-clear bays, your time off is yours to enjoy.Every day is a meaningful blend of fieldwork, nature, and simple living—with your efforts directly helping to preserve one of Europe’s most beautiful island ecosystems.
Your Impact as a Volunteer
By joining our bird conservation efforts in Kalamos, you’re playing a vital role in protecting Greece’s delicate island ecosystems. Your daily actions—monitoring migratory routes, restoring habitats, and identifying nesting sites—directly contribute to the survival of local and visiting bird populations, many of which face threats from habitat loss, climate change, and neglect.
This is not just conservation in theory—it’s conservation in action. From logging calls of elusive species to physically clearing spaces for new nests, your work supports long-term biodiversity planning across the Ionian Islands.
But your impact goes beyond nature. By living simply and sustainably, you lead by example—showing that conservation begins with conscious living. You’ll help build awareness in the local community, support eco-tourism alternatives, and inspire others to protect what matters.
You’re not just helping birds—you’re helping ecosystems breathe, communities engage, and science move forward.
Your Home on Kalamos Island
Volunteers live at the Kalamos Island Biological Field Station, nestled within the island’s forested hills and overlooking the Ionian Sea. The station is the heart of the eco-community and fully off-grid—powered by solar energy and surrounded by native trees, gardens, and wildlife.
Sleeping Arrangements
Accommodation is shared and modest, with volunteers staying in same-gender rooms or mixed dorms depending on availability. Rooms include basic beds or mattresses, mosquito nets, and storage for personal belongings. You'll need to bring your own sleeping bag and towel.Facilities & Amenities
• Compost toilets and simple, cold-water showers
• Shared kitchen and communal eating area
• Solar-powered lighting and limited electricity
• Drinking water sourced sustainably from nearby springs
• No Wi-Fi or electronic charging—digital detox encouraged
• Optional charging at the village (15-minute walk) for essentials like phonesMeals & Food System
All meals are plant-based, locally sourced, and largely organic. Volunteers participate in preparing meals and help manage the eco-kitchen. Ingredients come from the garden, foraging, or ethical local suppliers. The food is fresh, simple, and nourishing—reflecting the community’s zero-waste and slow-living ethos.Living with Intention
The accommodation is part of the learning experience. You’ll practice sustainable living daily:
• Reusing water and composting organic waste
• Cooking in teams and eating together
• Using biodegradable products only
• Sharing chores to maintain clean, communal spacesLiving here means stepping into a way of life that’s intentional, respectful, and in tune with the environment. It’s not luxurious—but it’s meaningful, grounding, and beautifully simple.
History
Located on Kalamos Island in the heart of the Inner Ionian Marine Protected Area, our trusted partner began with a vision to protect and restore one of Europe’s last untouched island ecosystems. Founded by conservationists and local environmental advocates, the project evolved into a registered non-profit, with a long-term commitment to ecological regeneration, sustainable development, and rewilding both land and sea.
The eco-community began as a grassroots movement focused on reconnecting people with nature through simple living, organic farming, and traditional knowledge. It has since grown into a fully operational field station and volunteer hub—empowering individuals from around the world to live intentionally and contribute to meaningful change.
Mission & Vision
The mission is to protect and restore natural ecosystems while demonstrating that low-impact, community-led living can be both practical and powerful. Through habitat restoration, organic agriculture, and education, the organization works to foster a deeper respect for nature and challenge modern consumer-driven lifestyles.
The long-term vision is to create a self-sufficient, regenerative eco-village that blends human well-being with ecological restoration. Volunteers are key to this mission—not only as helping hands, but as future ambassadors of sustainable change worldwide.
Program Fees & What’s Included
Program Fee
Duration Fee (€)
15 days €315
4 weeks €565
6 weeks €915
8 weeks €1,265
10 weeks €1,615
12 weeks €1,965
16 weeks €2,665
Prices are based on €315 for the first 15 days, then €25 per additional day.
What’s Included
✅ Shared eco-accommodation at the Kalamos Island Biological Field Station
✅ Plant-based meals made with organic and local ingredients
✅Training, field tools, and mentoring by experienced coordinators
✅ All conservation activities and educational sessions
✅ Use of fieldwork materials and data analysis tools
✅ Use of communal tools, equipment, and field station resources
✅ Support from experienced coordinators and fellow volunteers
✅ Opportunities to join workshops, eco-walks, and nature talks
✅ Flexible dates with the ability to extend on a per-day basis✅ Certifcate of completion
✅ So much moreYour Investment in Bird Conservation & Yourself
This isn’t your average trip—it’s a purposeful journey that leaves a lasting mark on the planet and within yourself.
Your contribution directly funds habitat restoration, bird protection efforts, and ongoing scientific research to preserve the fragile biodiversity of Kalamos. Every euro helps maintain this off-grid conservation base, support local eco-initiatives, and protect species that depend on these habitats for survival.
But it’s not just about where your money goes—it’s about who you become. This program is an opportunity to disconnect from distraction and reconnect with the natural world, to learn through doing, and to challenge yourself in an environment shaped by simplicity, intention, and action. Whether you’re kickstarting a career or seeking meaningful change, this is an investment in skills, clarity, and growth.
You won’t just return home with photos—you’ll return with perspective, purpose, and a deeper sense of belonging to the planet.
Where You'll Be: Kalamos Island, Greece
Kalamos is a small, mountainous island nestled in the heart of the Inner Ionian Sea, part of a designated marine protected area in western Greece. With no cars, no large-scale tourism, and no heavy development, the island is a rare sanctuary of peace and biodiversity.
Home to dense pine forests, crystal-clear waters, and quiet pebble beaches, Kalamos is a hidden gem for nature lovers and those seeking to disconnect from modern pressures. The island’s only village, also called Kalamos, is a traditional fishing community with welcoming locals and a slow pace of life.
The eco-community is located just outside the village, surrounded by olive trees, forest, and ocean views. The atmosphere is tranquil, inspiring, and perfectly suited for introspection, learning, and meaningful contribution.
Greece – A Land of Nature, History & Hospitality
While Greece is best known for its ancient ruins and sun-drenched islands, it’s also a land of deep ecological and cultural richness. The Ionian region is famous for its protected coastlines, traditional village life, and strong sense of community.
Greece’s Mediterranean climate means you’ll enjoy warm summers and mild winters, with clear skies and abundant sunshine most of the year. Life here flows slowly—offering space to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters.
Whether you’re admiring the wild landscapes, sharing a meal with locals, or watching the stars from your tent, this experience offers more than travel—it offers transformation.
Free time Activities
& Tours
Your time off on Kalamos Island offers a beautiful balance of rest, exploration, and immersion in nature. Whether you seek solitude, adventure, or cultural connection, this remote paradise has something for every kind of traveller.
Nature & Adventure
• Swim in crystal-clear Ionian waters – Just a short walk from the eco-community, the sea is perfect for refreshing daily swims.
• Hike scenic forest trails – Explore Kalamos’ ancient pine forests, rugged hills, and coastal paths with panoramic sea views.
• Snorkel along untouched coastline – Discover underwater life in protected marine zones surrounding the island.
• Stargazing & moonlight walks – With minimal light pollution, the island is ideal for nights under the stars.
Cultural & Local Experiences
• Visit Kalamos village – Walk into the traditional fishing village to visit local shops, sip Greek coffee, or connect with island residents.
• Take a boat to nearby islands – On days off, arrange informal boat rides to explore nearby Kastos Island or the mainland port of Mytikas.
• Join cultural talks or storytelling circles – Learn about Greek history, mythology, and sustainable living through informal evening sessions.
Community & Personal Growth
• Practice yoga, meditation, or journaling in nature
• Join optional permaculture or rewilding workshops
• Help organise a community dinner or skill share night
This is a place for slowing down and soaking up the rhythms of nature. Whether you’re wandering ancient paths, harvesting olives, or simply sharing a quiet moment on the hillside, your free time will be filled with clarity, connection, and inspiration.
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