7 Re-Wilding Retreats: Volunteer to Restore Nature

4. Carpathian Rewilding Expeditions (Romania and surrounding areas)

The Carpathian Mountains cover some of Europe’s most extensive unfragmented forests and support big populations of wolves, bears, and lynx. Several expedition-style projects invite volunteers to support scientific monitoring and habitat restoration, often run through conservation partners or expedition operators. Typical volunteer activities include camera-trap deployment and checks, track and scat surveys, habitat condition assessments, and community outreach that supports coexistence strategies between people and large carnivores. Fieldwork can be remote and may require multi-day stays in basic field camps or local guesthouses; projects are suited to those comfortable with rustic conditions and a hands-on scientific approach. Organizations like Biosphere Expeditions have partnered on citizen-science trips in these regions, offering structured roles for volunteers with clear research aims. Because the Carpathians span multiple countries, logistics, permits, and seasonal windows vary; confirm travel requirements, language support, and physical demands before booking so you know whether the expedition’s pace and living conditions match your experience level.