The Spirit of Civic Volunteerism at Bois Richeux
At Les Amis de Bois Richeux, we believe that preserving historical heritage is an act of shared civic love. Our non-profit association (RNA: W281003093) relies entirely on the generosity, passion, and diverse talents of community members from Pierres, Maintenon, Chartres, and beyond. Whether you have hands-on craftsmanship skills or simply wish to spend peaceful Saturday mornings surrounded by ancient stone walls, our volunteer team welcomes you warmly.
Volunteering with Les Amis de Bois Richeux is 100% free and open to all. You are never required to purchase merchandise or pay commercial fees to participate. Comprehensive volunteer third-party liability insurance is provided free of charge by the association for all authorized on-site works.
"All membership fees and dues are fully reinvested in the association's public interest missions."
Four Active Volunteer Divisions
You can contribute your time across four distinct volunteer tracks, depending on your personal interests, physical preferences, and schedule:
1. Heritage Stonemasonry & Traditional Carpentry Corps
Work alongside experienced restoration supervisors to stabilize historic limestone masonry, prepare traditional lime mortars, clean joint lines, and restore traditional timber joints. Perfect for individuals who enjoy physical outdoor activity, learning ancestral trades, and seeing the direct, lasting results of their labor.
Commitment: Alternating Saturday mornings (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM). Safety equipment and training provided.
2. Medieval Botanical Garden & Heirloom Seed Stewards
Cultivate authentic medieval vegetable varieties, medicinal simples, and dye plants in raised wooden wattle beds. Activities include seed-saving, companion planting, natural composting, weaving hazel branches, and guiding visitors through the sensory botanical garden.
Commitment: Wednesday mornings (9:30 AM – 12:30 PM) or monthly Sunday gardening bees. All ages welcome.
3. Educational Guides & School Workshop Animators
Help welcome visiting elementary and middle school classes, assist children during medieval calligraphy and bread-making demonstrations, and guide families through our public exhibition spaces. Ideal for educators, students, and communicative history enthusiasts.
Commitment: Flexible weekday slots during school terms (usually Tuesdays or Thursdays). Mentorship provided.
4. Archival Paleography, Photography & Digital Documentation
Assist our research team in digitizing historical manuscripts, transcribing feudal deeds from departmental archives, cataloging archaeological ceramic shards, and formatting open-source public monographs. Can be performed partially remotely.
Commitment: Flexible schedule. Monthly research coordination meeting at the registered office.
Volunteer Registration Form
Complete the form below to register your interest in joining our volunteer community. Our volunteer coordinator will contact you promptly to arrange an introductory visit and safety orientation.
Volunteer Charter & Practical Questions
Do I need to be a skilled craftsperson?
Not at all! Every workshop is led by experienced mentors who will teach you step-by-step how to mix mortar, identify plants, or guide school visitors. We value enthusiastic goodwill and patience far above formal certifications.
Are children allowed to volunteer?
Minors aged 12 to 17 are warmly welcomed in the botanical garden and educational workshops when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Stonemasonry workcamps involving scaffolding and stone dressing are restricted to individuals aged 18 and older for statutory safety reasons.
What should I bring on my first day?
Wear sturdy closed-toe work boots, comfortable clothing you do not mind getting dusty, and bring a reusable water canteen. We provide all professional safety equipment, work gloves, safety glasses, tools, and a communal mid-morning herbal tea break!