Language Exchange in a Natural Setting

Would you like to join a project to restore an abandoned forest and create a comfortable, welcoming space in Ogawamachi, Saitama, about one hour from Ikebukuro in Tokyo?

We are currently working on improving a slightly elevated, sunny flat area in the forest to create a relaxing space.

We are continuing the construction of a floating wood deck, and the main tasks planned for this day are:
・Painting the floor boards of the wood deck
・Reinforcing and adding log pillars that form the foundation
・Installing bamboo handrails on the stairs

In addition, we also plan to work on:
・Setting up racks for drying firewood
・Preparing and organizing the area for leaf compost frames

There are many different kinds of tasks, and help with carrying materials is especially appreciated.
No special skills are required, and people who are not used to outdoor work are welcome too. We will work at a comfortable pace, and everyone can choose tasks they feel able to do.

Working in the forest is great exercise, and the work area at the top is sunny and very pleasant.

This event is perfect for people who are interested in nature or the environment, who want to move their bodies outdoors, who are curious about forest volunteer activities, or who are simply looking to meet new people. Everyone is welcome, so please feel free to join us 😊

■ Date & Meeting Point
・Meet at Ogawamachi Station on the Tobu Tojo Line in Saitama on Sunday, Feb 22 at 8:50 AM. The event will finish around 3:00 PM.
・The forest we manage is about a 30-minute walk from the station along a scenic, nature-filled route.
・Please finish any shopping and toilet visits before meeting. There is also a toilet near the forest.
・We cannot wait for late arrivals, so please be on time.
※If you are running late, we will send you a Google Map link to the forest, so please do not worry.

■ Example Train Access
・You can reach Ogawamachi Station directly from the stations such as Ikebukuro, Shibuya, Jiyugaoka, and Shinjuku Sanchome without transfers in the morning.
・Please check the comments section for details.

■ Participation Fee
・500 yen (includes insurance, snacks, and water for refilling bottles). Please pay in cash on the day.

■ What to Bring
・Drinks and lunch
*Work gloves will be provided.

◼︎ Clothing
・Clothes and shoes that can get dirty
(Hiking shoes are recommended, but some people join in sneakers.)
・A hat

■ Capacity
・Around 10 to 15 people
(We will send a participation confirmation message after you sign up. If we do not hear back from you by one week before the event, your spot may be moved to the wait list.)

〜About This Forest Project〜
More than 70 percent of Japan’s land area is covered by forests, but many of them are no longer used and are becoming increasingly neglected.
When forests are left unmanaged, people stop entering them, and problems such as illegal dumping of industrial waste and garbage can occur. In some cases, the land is sold to solar panel companies and completely cleared.

Forests that were once used for firewood, compost, and building materials have gradually lost their value as they have been replaced by fossil fuels, chemical fertilizers, and imported materials.
Since the COVID period, we have been gradually working to restore and care for this forest.

Our goal is to revive it as a place with new value that fits modern life, and to manage and maintain it in a sustainable way. We hope to create a forest that offers relief from the stresses of modern society and encourages connection and interaction between people.