When Summer Climbs Higher

The cool mountain air never quite showed up. At nearly 1,600 metres above sea level, Vnà greeted us with summer temperatures and bright sunshine. Following a tour of the village and an introduction to its Romansh heritage, the group split into two teams, each heading to a different work site. A half-hour walk later, it was time to roll up our sleeves: scythes over our shoulders, gloves on and straight to work. We wouldn’t meet again until later that day, over an aperitif.

Then it was time to get down to work. Scythes in hand, we cleared bracken, dug out thistles, gathered stones from the meadows, piled them into heaps and stacked branches. Everything was done by hand.

Dry meadows are among the most biodiverse habitats in Switzerland. Without regular care, they soon become overgrown with scrub and lose much of their diversity. For several years now, Cornèrcard and the WWF have invited cardholders to spend a weekend in nature at different locations across Switzerland. This year, the event was organised in partnership with the Fundaziun Pro Terra Engiadina, which works to preserve the natural and cultural landscape of the Lower Engadine. The lunch break was about more than just recharging our batteries. Gathering in small groups gave everyone time to talk, ask questions and exchange impressions. Along the way, the WWF team shared stories about the flora and fauna around Vnà, turning the practical work into an opportunity to discover the local landscape.

To round off the day, we gathered for an apéro. In her garden, Daniela R. welcomed the group with barley soup, homemade cakes and a tasting of local beers. The soup helped restore what the day’s work had taken out of us; the apéro did the rest. By then, dark clouds were gathering on the horizon. The last few mouthfuls disappeared rather faster than expected before we set off towards the postbus, arriving just in time. Barely had we taken our seats when the first heavy raindrops began to streak across the windows. Perfect timing. And as the landscape slipped by outside, a quiet sense of satisfaction travelled home with us – the feeling that, together, we had left our mark in a small but meaningful way.

Discover more WWF experiences in your region here

The Fundaziun Pro Terra Engiadina is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the natural and cultural landscape of the Lower Engadine and Samnaun. Working with municipalities, conservation organisations and other partners, it coordinates projects that support biodiversity, landscape conservation and sustainable land use. Its activities include maintaining dry meadows, dry-stone walls and hedgerows, as well as environmental education programmes for volunteers and visitors.

Find out more (in German) 

Don’t miss a thing — we’ll keep you up to date!

Sign up for our newsletter.