Across Norway, communities are reinforcing social bonds through 'dugnads' — a centuries-old tradition of collective voluntary work rooted in the country's history as a nation of small farmers and fishermen, where neighbours would unite to build churches, bridges, or barns. From stream cleanups near Oslo to wilderness skills sessions run by the Norwegian Trekking Association, the events blend practical tasks with food and socialising, and researchers say they help generate the high levels of social trust for which Norway is consistently ranked among the world's leaders. As political polarisation and concerns over community fragmentation grow across Europe, participants and social scientists alike argue the dugnad's power to bring people together across neighbourhood lines makes it more vital than ever.