Cairn Restoration in the Westfjords - Látrabjarg

WORK/PROJECT: This is a unique, demanding and rewarding opportunity for volunteers to gain new skills and ecological perspectives through working and living closely to the land. This project is organised with our hosts located in the Westfjords of Iceland, working in the municipality of Vesturbyggð and in the area of Látrabjarg: “The cliffs of all cliffs”, which is the westernmost point of Iceland.

The main project activity is restoration of cairns in an area in the south of the Icelandic Westfjords, the westernmost part of Europe. Cairns are piles of carefully constructed rock that have historically been used to help people find their way in difficult weather conditions on mountainous walking routes. The cairns to be restored are situated in high and harsh land. A trained wilderness guide and another leader will be working with the group to ensure quality of craftsmanship and to ensure everyone's safety.

Running alongside the cairn restoration activities will be a programme of creative-led discussions and activities, designed to create a space to help you experience a connection to the earth and sea, allow you to relax and be present, connect back to your natural rhythms, and find inspiration and insight.

The approach draws on storytelling, outdoor education, experiential learning, eco-psychology and traditional healing systems.  The work can be physically demanding, volunteers need to be in good shape and ready to work hard.  The weather can be unpredictable so be prepared to all kinds of weather and bring warm clothing.

ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS volunteers will predominantly be camping near Látrabjarg in the Westfjords. Other wild camping sites may also be used, meaning you may be away from modern amenities for a number of days.

Food will be supplied and volunteers will help cook and clean in camp. Do not forget some traditional/typical food or drinks from your home country for an international evening. Tents will be provided.  

LOCATION: The project is situated in the Westfjords, which is a distinct region that very few travellers to Iceland visit. The landscape is a mixture of sea-cliffs, huge beaches, many rivers, vegetated valleys, snowy/rocky mountains and moss-covered hill sides. The Camping site is situated in remote locations.

The nature in the area is untouched and almost uninhabited. The cliffs and valleys are packed with birds, the uninhabited fjords offer a moment of silence and tranquillity, and the Arctic fox proudly roams the mountains and inlets. The waterfalls are high and the streams pure.

Látrabjarg, is a promontory and it is the westernmost point in Iceland (and Europe if Greenland and the Azores are not counted). The lines of cliffs are home to millions of birds, including puffins, northern gannets, guillemots and razorbills. It is vital for their survival as it hosts up to 40% of the world population for some species e.g. the Razorbill. It is Europe's largest bird cliff, 14km long and up to 440m high.

LANGUAGE: English will be the official language in the camp and a good conversational level is required.

TERMINAL: Closest International Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF).

Departure time will be at 7:00 in the morning from Reykjavík on the first day of the camp, July 19.

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: Participation fee EUR 350 (Euros). Please note that these fees are to be paid to SEEDS on arrival in either Euros or Icelandic krónas.

The fee includes the transportation from Reykjavík to the camp and back (on the first and last day). Departure will be at 7:00 in the morning of July 19. We will return to Reykjavík in the late evening of July 27.

Volunteers need to be prepared for physical demanding work, working and camping in a wild landscape and sometimes cold weather. Bring warm winter clothes as the project takes place outside and it can get very cold. Please bring warm under-layers, waterproofs, walking boots, a good sleeping bag, sleeping mat and gloves.

Free time activities are mostly hiking and trekking in the area as there is no transportation available. There is also a programme of group activities volunteers will be offered.

LETTER OF INTEREST/MOTIVATION: There is an application process for those wishing to join. To apply, please submit CV/Resume and motivation letter, stating your relevant experience and reasons for wanting to join.

Age: 18+