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Volunteers rally to help Black Forest farmers amid wolf return challenges

Farmers struggled under new demands—until a wave of volunteers arrived. Their work repaired fences, secured pastures, and forged a bond between community and countryside.

The image shows a black and white photo of a herd of cattle grazing in the woods, surrounded by...
The image shows a black and white photo of a herd of cattle grazing in the woods, surrounded by trees. At the bottom of the image, there is some text.

Volunteers rally to help Black Forest farmers amid wolf return challenges

Many Helping Hands for Livestock Protection: Volunteers Support Farmers in the Southern Black Forest During Grazing Season

As the 2026 grazing season gets underway this spring, around 30 volunteers have taken part in pasture assistance initiatives in the Southern Black Forest, according to the Southern Black Forest Nature Park.

On two project farms in Lenzkirch and Elzach-Yach, the volunteers helped prepare grazing areas—repairing fences, clearing overgrowth, and reinforcing pasture gates. The increased workload for farmers, particularly due to additional protective measures following the return of wolves, has made such support essential.

These efforts are part of a broader livestock protection project aimed at easing the burden on farmers while fostering better understanding between agriculture and the public. Alongside hands-on work, participants also received information on wolf monitoring and the latest developments in the Black Forest.

The volunteer groups were diverse, ranging from students to seasoned activists. Organizers reported that spots filled quickly, reflecting strong public interest in the issue.

The pasture assistance initiative is not meant to replace professional labor but serves as a symbol of community engagement and support for traditional grazing practices in the region.

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