Organized by WG4 – Environmental History Working Group (EU-PoTaRCh)
Date: 1–5 September 2025
Venue: Gutenstein, Lower Austria (Niederösterreich), Austria
We are pleased to announce the upcoming Environmental History of Resin and Charcoal Workshop, taking place from 1 to 5 September 2025 in Gutenstein, Austria. This workshop is organized by Working Group 4 (WG4) of the EU-PoTaRCh COST Action and is especially intended for students and early-career researchers, although all interested participants are welcome to apply.
About the Workshop
The event offers a unique opportunity to visit local producers and directly experience charcoal burning and resin harvesting. Participants will explore environmental, historical, cultural, sustainability, biodiversity, and educational dimensions of these traditional practices in Austria and beyond.
Preliminary Program Highlights
Day 1 – Arrival
• Arrival at Gutenstein railway station
• Shuttle transfer to accommodation
Day 2 – Resin Harvesting
• Workshop at the Forest Farmer’s Museum (Waldbauernmuseum Gutenstein)
• Excursion to Waidmannsfeld forest for a live resin harvesting demonstration and stakeholder discussions
Day 3 – Pitch Trail & Museum
• Guided forest tour in Hernstein focusing on environmental impact
• Workshop session on resin processing with local stakeholders
Day 4 – Charcoal Burning
• Excursions to two charcoal production sites:
- Long kiln (Rohr im Gebirge)
- Round kiln (Michelbach)
• Field visit discussions on environmental impact and marketing challenges
Day 5 – Departure
• Breakfast and transfer to the railway station
Transport during the excursions will be provided by hired bus due to the remote locations.
Logistics and Practical Information
- Accommodation: Gutenstein, Mariahilferberg
- Cost: ~300 EUR (includes accommodation and meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Daily allowance and travel costs will be reimbursed according to COST Action rules
- Participants are expected to cover travel to/from Gutenstein individually
- Trains from Vienna to Gutenstein operate every 30 minutes (approx. 1 hr 45 min total travel time)
Registration
Due to limited capacity, participants will be selected based on COST Action guidelines and their involvement in the project.
Registration deadline: 16 June 2025
Registration form: Register here
Contact
For further questions, please contact:
Anna Varga – varga.anna@gmail.com
Organizing team:
Elizabeth Johann (main and local organizer)
Anna Varga
Katja Tikka
Péter Szabó