Thank you for your interest in the snow vole fieldwork!
Here’s how it works: We organise two field trips, each lasting five days/four nights – one in early summer(June/July) and another in late summer (September/October). You need to participate in only one of these trips for two days/one night to earn 1 ECTS.
Due to variable mountain weather, we confirm dates about a week in advance to ensure good conditions. Once we have the dates set, we notify interested students by email.
The field site is in Churwalden, and we will arrange accommodation in a chalet that can host six people (usually “Chalet Dolly” – any changes will be communicated in advance). You’ll need to organise your own transportation to the chalet; however, travel costs will be reimbursed if you keep your tickets and receipts. Accommodation and meals are covered. Sleeping arrangements include shared bunk beds, or you may bring your own sleeping mat and bag if preferred.
We’ll be trapping snow voles over five days. Due to high demand, students can only participate in the fieldwork for two days/one night. Each afternoon, we set traps, and early each morning, we check, process, and close them until the next round. If the weather holds, we anticipate completing our work in four nights.
Please make sure you have robust hiking boots with good ankle support, as the study site is a rocky outcrop with loose stones. Proper footwear and sure-footedness are crucial for safety. Also, given the season and the altitude of 2000m, it will get quite chilly; please bring gloves, hats, and warm layers.
And if you have your own binoculars, you are welcome to bring them – there is a lot to discover in the area!
If you would like to participate, please fill in the following form.
We can accommodate a maximum of two students at a time (total max. 8 per field trip), so places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Places will be offered to the first respondents, and a waiting list will be formed once spots are filled.
Feel free to reach out with any further questions to Arpat Ozgul.