Project
Hiiumaa according to the Nordic sagas emerged from the Baltic Sea as a small islet more than 10 000 years ago. The island of Hiiumaa was first mentioned in historical documents as a deserted island called Dageida in 1228. The first inhabitants settled down at the end of the 13th century. Hiiumaa is the second biggest island of Estonia: its area is 965 sq. km, population around 10 000. It has many historical and nature sights, and there are kind people known for their hospitality and good sense of humor. The island is referred as a remote area of Europe, so EstYES feels particularly proud developing international voluntary projects for dozen of years there. Also, for years EstYES has been cooperating with farms all over Estonia for solidarity, respect and practical support to local people who work in agricultural sector keeping traditional life style and developing new eco-farming despite of all difficulties. Ristitee Farm is one of such projects. Ristitee farm is situated on the small island Kassari (19 sq. km) which is linked to Hiiumaa. The farm has over 100 horses and it specializes in eco-tourism in Kassari and horse riding for tourists. The area provides a lot of possibilities for this - with its beautiful sand dunes, pine woods and the high coastal junipers Kassari Island is ideal for hiking, picnics, camping, sunbathing and swimming. Kaina Bay between Kassari and Kaina and the numerous islets form a bird sanctuary with 70 different species - ideal place for bird watchers and nature lovers. In addition to farm activities, Ristitee Farm has another important task of taking care of coastal meadows which are international birds’ migration area under protection of NATURA Program.

Work
The main work will be to collect apple harvest in the farm orchards. Volunteers may also work on preserving NATURA Program protected areas. That work will include cleaning and tidying up, cutting unwanted grass and bushes, deleting plants not typical for the area. This is outdoors work in a wet area. The working day is 6 -7 hours. One day will be free

Location
Hiiumaa Island lies in the Baltic Sea about 130km west of Tallinn, 22km from the mainland. Ristitee farm is situated on the seashore. The nearest village is 10km away. More information on www.hiiumaa.ee

Terminal
Airport, harbour, bus station in Tallinn. From the airport bus nr 2 going to the city centre stops at the Tallinn Bus Station. From there buses go to Hiiumaa two times per day taking you straight to Hiiumaa (including ferry transportation from the mainland). Timetables are available online at www.tpilet.ee

In the separate house of the farm on the sleeping mats. Volunteers have to bring sleeping bags. Toilet, hot water, sauna is available. Volunteers will have to prepare meals themselves with the help of locals.

[방한복 구비 안내]
야간에는 추울 수 있으므로 긴 여벌옷을 준비해주시기 바랍니다.

[침낭 구비 안내]
개인 위생을 위해 개인용 침낭을 반드시 지참하시기 바랍니다.

* Volunteers should bring rubber boots and waterproof clothes.

* Leisure time
Sunbathing and swimming, hiking, birds watching. Very good camp for nature lovers! Excursion around the island is planned. As Ristitee is also a horse farm you will have a chance to exercise horse riding.