My name is Alex Wilford, I am 27 years old and live in Huddersfield. Through Everything is Possible, I am currently undertaking a project at a bear refuge in Croatia. The Kuterevo bear refuge project provides A safe haven for brown bears (Ursus arctos) that have been injured in the wild, mistreated in captivity and for cubs who have been separated from their mother.

Currently the Kuterevo bear project has 9 brown bears (ranging from 1.5 – 41 years old) who are taken care of by the multiple volunteers. Alongside caring for the bears, this project aims to educate the public about the importance of brown bears and the coexistence of bears and humans.

There are multiple activities that I have undertaken whilst being at the project. The main task I am involved with is feeding and taking care of the animals. After the first week, I was given the privilege to take care of all the animals around the site. The animals include 9 brown bears, 9 Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs, a handful of chickens and chicks and 2 geese. Alongside feeding them, I have also been tasked with keeping a record of the animal’s behaviours, health and what they have been fed.

The other main activity is to meet and greet the visitors that visit the refuge. Here we explain to the visitors about the project, providing them with information on the bears and directing them where to go.

Alongside these two main activities, there are random activities that occur. Activities such as creating ice creams (ice blocks willed with left over fruits) for the bears, foraging for plants and herbs in the fields to use as medicines, oils and for cooking. We also moved around 72 hay bales from a field to a near by stable, lots of gardening and more.

During free time in the evening, myself and the other volunteers would go to the local par to socialise and play card games. On my days off I would relax on site, listen to music and even research about brown bears and the local wildlife.

During my project, I have learnt a lot. I have improved my knowledge on brown bears, their habitat, and human-animal interaction with bears. Alongside bears, I have also learnt how to identify some species of flora and their uses.

Being here alongside amazing volunteers has allowed me to learn how to prepare a range of vegetarian meals, using locally produced products. It also took a while, but with the help from the volunteers and my mentor, I managed to learn a few Croatian words and phrases.

Working with the bears at Kuterevo has furthermore improved my passion for wanting to work with animals, alongside working with animals, this project has also opened my eyes to conservation work in the future.

__________________________

Project organised by Everything is Possible and co-funded by the European Solidarity Corps programme of the European Union. The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

My name is Tom from Leeds and I have just completed my foundation degree.
During my project in Croatia at a bear refuge, I carried out different DIY tasks such as building furniture, creating enrichment for the bears and working on a carpark for coaches for the refuge.
In my free time, I spent time chatting with other members on the project, observing bear behaviour, went on a hike up a mountain to camp and learnt other skills such as fire making.
Thanks to this project, professionally I learned how to live and work with others.  The project taught me also how to lead if needed.  I have improved my knowledge of the use of tools and bear enrichment.
Personally, I have learnt that I am more capable to complete tasks that are practical.  I met a lot of new friends on this experience.
Tom Smith

__________________________

Project organised by Everything is Possible and co-funded by the European Solidarity Corps programme of the European Union. The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

My name is Skye, I am a 19 year old college student.
During my project in Croatia, my group fed and observed bears, built and fixed things, had amazing lectures from a wild carnivore vet, made enrichment items for the bears and so much more.  I even managed to build a chair, stool and coffee table!
In my free time, we went hiking, camping, and watching the bears.
Thanks to this project, professionally I learned how to cook using limited ingredients.  I have developed my tool skills and have created things I didn’t think I could do. I have also developed my teamwork skills and have made some fantastic new friends.
Personally, I have learned that I can do things if I believe in myself. I have learned that if I push myself I can go a lot further.
Skye Webster

__________________________

Project organised by Everything is Possible and co-funded by the European Solidarity Corps programme of the European Union. The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

My name is Rebecca, I am 22 and have just finished my FdSc Management of Animal Collections with Conservation degree
During my project in Croatia, I learnt to craft using wood, nails and other tools. I constructed signs for the refuge and fixed and painted fences. We also used tools to make enrichment for the bears.
In my free time, I used a burning tool to make souvenirs to take home. I also made a dream catcher out of scrap items.
Thanks to this project, professionally I learned more about bear behaviour when releasing them into new environments.  I have also massively improved my DIY skills.
Personally, I can overcome a wide variety of challenges both with myself and working with other people.
Rebecca Taberner

__________________________

Project organised by Everything is Possible and co-funded by the European Solidarity Corps programme of the European Union. The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

My name is Rebecca, I am 22 and have just finished my degree at Askham Bryan.
During my project in Croatia, I made signs for various things out of wood.  We cut up fruit and vegetables to make into ice-lollies for the bears and made bins from scrap wood.
In my free time, I did baking which included brownies and cake as well as trying out new savoury dishes like falafel.  I helped make a totem and camped out under the stars.
Thanks to this project, professionally I learned how to work within a large group of people.  I developed my skills in woodwork and building new things.  I have also learnt some basic Croatian.
Personally, I have gained more confidence and I have also learnt that I am quite good at cooking and developed my cooking skills.
Rebecca Hoyle

__________________________

Project organised by Everything is Possible and co-funded by the European Solidarity Corps programme of the European Union. The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

My name is Olivia, I am 18 from York and a student at Askham Bryan College.
During my project in Croatia, I worked as part of a team making enrichment for the bears such as cutting up fruit and making ice-lollies. I brought broken fences back to life and refurbished old pieces of wood into colourful information signs.
In my free time, I baked flapjack, camped, watched and recorded bear behaviour and a professor in wild cats taught us how to track animals.
Thanks to this project, professionally I learned how to use and maintain tools to build enrichment, fences and signs.  I have developed my cooking skills and know how to work successfully in a group.
Personally, I have gained much more confidence around people and part of a group. I have also massively improved my DIY skills.
Olivia Allman

__________________________

Project organised by Everything is Possible and co-funded by the European Solidarity Corps programme of the European Union. The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

My name is Molly from Askham Bryan College studying Anima Science.
During my project in Kuterevo, Croatia, I worked on a number of activities including making enrichment for the bears, which were stuffed with food, carrying out maintenance, making bins and doing up a new campsite.
In my free time,  we made a campfire, we also hiked up a mountain.
Thanks to this project, professionally I learned more about bears and their requirements.  I also learnt that teamwork is the biggest part of completing a project successfully, as everyone has their strengths and we are able to help one another improve on our weaknesses.
Personally, I learnt that I am much stronger than I thought, and that it is important to believe in yourself.
Molly Gannon

__________________________

Project organised by Everything is Possible and co-funded by the European Solidarity Corps programme of the European Union. The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

My name is Megan, I am a 19 year old student from Askham Bryan and I wanted to gain more experience in a new environment.
During my project in Croatia, we had to build enrichment for the bears and placed them in their enclosures.  We fixed benches and made bins and also fixed up a new campfire for everyone to use.
In my free time, I helped to make a totem and I was also helping to make coasters for everybody and hiked up a mountain.
Thanks to this project, professionally I learned new skills in woodwork.  I also have learnt new skills working with different kinds of tools and how to make new things like benches and fences.
Personally, I have gained a lot of confidence in myself during this experience.
Megan Taylor

__________________________

Project organised by Everything is Possible and co-funded by the European Solidarity Corps programme of the European Union. The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

My name is Emma, I am 18 from Cumbria and I have just finished college at Newton Rigg
During my project in Croatia, I made signs, we were able to feed bears, made bins and benches from scrap wood, made ice-lollies for the bears when it was hot and had fun working together.
In my free time, I went and sat down at the bears and watched them, we had a campfire and were able to go camping.
Thanks to this project, professionally I learned how to work well in a big group and get the job done to a good standard.  I have been able to improve my knowledge on the bears and learn some Croatian.
Personally, I feel that I have been able to be more confident in getting to know new people and have been able to improve my DIY skills.
Emma Barwise

__________________________

Project organised by Everything is Possible and co-funded by the European Solidarity Corps programme of the European Union. The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

My name is Charlotte. I went in Croatia to volunteer at the Kuterevo bear sanctuary.
During my project, I was involved in the release of a new bear called Bruno, this included making enrichment, prepping his new enclosure and photographing his release.  I had the privilege to be one of the first people to work on a new area of the sanctuary.
In my free time, I enjoyed observing the different bears and learning how to use the local crafting tools which I used to produce keep sakes.
Thanks to this project, professionally I learned how to use a range of power tools/ manual tools and also how far I can push myself to reach my best abilities.
Personally, I learnt the importance of appreciating what I have back home and why I should give back more of my time and experience.
Charlotte Wood

__________________________

Project organised by Everything is Possible and co-funded by the European Solidarity Corps programme of the European Union. The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.