Growing Gardens in Reykjavík (3:8)

WORK/PROJECT: The group of SEEDS volunteers will be helping out and supporting the work in a gardening station run by the municipality of Reykjavík. SEEDS volunteer groups have been assisting the growing station since 2014. The station takes care of growing flowers and edible plants, trees for the city’s green areas and the educational school gardens of Reykjavík.

The station aims to maintain Icelandic species and to increase those who have adapted well to the Icelandic climate. The station also tries to experiment with new species to increase variety and quality of plants that are grown in the gardens and recreational areas of the city.

SEEDS volunteers will be doing general gardening work, attending to the flowers, trees and other plants and clearing out weed. Part of the work may take place in greenhouses and part of it outdoors.

The work can be repetitive as general gardening tasks tend to be. The project starts early every weekday, hours are from 8:00 - 15:30, so volunteers have to be motivated to participate early in the morning, but they will have more free time in the afternoon.

ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS volunteers will stay in an equipped house that is situated in the middle of the gardening station about 4 kilometres from the city centre. The house is used as the offices and facilities of the staff of the gardening station. It is equipped with a kitchen, dining area, shower and washing machine.

Volunteers will be sleeping on mattresses in a shared sleeping bag accommodation. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Volunteers will receive food supplies and be in charge of the cooking and cleaning.

Do not forget some traditional/typical food from your home country for the international evening.

LOCATION: Reykjavik is a dynamic, modern city which lives in harmony with beautiful nature, using renewable energy sources such as geothermal power. About two thirds of the population of Iceland live in Reykjavik including the metropolitan area, or over 200,000 people.

The world’s northernmost capital bridges the Atlantic, between Europe and North America. Reykjavík is spread across a peninsula with a panoramic view of the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean on almost all sides. In the summer, you can sit by the harbour at midnight and watch the sun dip slightly below the horizon before it makes its way up again. Visitors experience easily the pure energy at the heart of Iceland's capital, whether from the boiling thermal energy underground, the natural green energy within the city and around it, or the lively culture and fun-filled nightlife.

The location of the camp is close to the geothermal beach Nauthólsvík, as well as the protected natural area of Elliðaárdalur which has wild berries, salmon fishing, semi-wild rabbits and a waterfall all within the city limits. In the area closer than 100 km from Reykjavík, there are several spectacular waterfalls, geysers, impressive coastline and the well-known geothermal Blue Lagoon spa to visit.

LANGUAGE: English will be the official language in the camp; high proficiency is not a requirement.

TERMINAL: Closest International Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF). Bus station: Central Reykjavík (BSÍ).

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: Participation fee EUR 250 (Euros).

This fee is paid to SEEDS on arrival in Euros or Icelandic krónas and it includes the transportation from the meeting point to the camp location (on the first and last day of the camp), and the Golden Circle excursion. Meeting time will be at 9:00 in the morning on the first day of the camp.

Other excursions (South Shore, Snaefellsnes or Reykjanes Peninsula) can be arranged at discount fares.

Participants in this camp will have a free pass to one of the largest swimming pools in Iceland, situated some 3 Kilometers from the camp base.

Volunteers have to bring good working shoes and clothes. Weather in Iceland is unpredictable and it can be cold or rainy. Please bring warm winter clothes, overcoats, scarves, gloves and hats as part of the project takes place outside.

Age: 20+