Revegetation in the South of Iceland (2:2)

WORK/PROJECT: Since 2007 SEEDS has been working with an organisation devoted to the re-vegetation of eroded soils in the South-west of Iceland. The aim is to stop the downward spiral of erosion and to strengthen the ecosystem by enhancing its natural vegetation.

SEEDS volunteers will perform four different types of work depending on host needs each time:

a) Revegetation and erosion control using organic materials, b) Tree planting, c) Removal of old fences and d) Monitoring the survival and growth of tree plantations of former years. These tasks will be performed at several different locations in the South-west of the country.

The South-west is part of the volcanic belt of Iceland, with vast lava fields and erodible volcanic soils. Additionally, the area has suffered from overgrazing of sheep for a long time. Consequently the ecological condition is rather poor and some areas have completely lost their top soil.

Materials like horse manure, garden waste and the likes are the best revegetation means available. The results of the efforts made so far can already be seen at a number of sites in the South-west of the country. Documentation is available on the website www.gff.is and as can be seen, the role of SEEDS volunteers has been substantial.

The work is physical, can at times be demanding but always rewarding. Volunteers should have a motivation for working outdoors. Weather in Iceland is unpredictable, even in summer time, so be prepared for all kinds of weather and be sure to bring warm/winter clothing since the work will take place outdoors and it can get rather cold.

Keep in mind, our earth is getting warmer because of an overload of CO2 in the atmosphere. Also, green plants remove carbon from the atmosphere and capture it in biomass and soil. Revegetation is one of the most effective ways to fight off climate change, especially in a land so heavily eroded as Iceland.

ACCOMMODATION: Volunteers will be lodged in a school building with basic facilities in one of Reykjavik’s neighbouring towns. Volunteers will sleep on mattresses provided, please bring a sleeping bag. There is a shower in the school and volunteers will also have free access to the local geothermal swimming pool..

Food ingredients will be provided and the group will be responsible for cooking and cleaning. Please do not forget some traditional food or drinks from your home country for the international evening.

LOCATION: The work will take place in the vicinity of Reykjavík, and the groups will touch upon more than one project in different places. The main emphasis will be on erosion control in ten different sites in the South-west of Iceland, mostly in and around the Reykjanes peninsula. The peninsula is marked by active volcanism under its surface, and large lava fields allow little vegetation. There are numerous hot and sulphur springs, around the Kleifarvatn Lake and in the Krýsuvík geothermal area. The Peninsula is famous for its hiking trails that zigzag through the region with colourful landscapes. Amazing ocean cliffs, bird and whale watching sites and the Blue Lagoon.

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).

Meeting time will be 16:00 (4:00 pm) in the afternoon of June 22 in Reykjavik. Participants that cannot arrive on time (later flights) will be sent information on how to reach the camp.

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: Participation fee EUR 300 (Euros). Please note that these fees are to be paid to SEEDS on arrival in either Euros or Icelandic kronas.

The fee includes transportation from the meeting point to the camp and back (on the first and last day), as the Golden Circle and Snæfellsnes peninsula excursions (1 full day-trip each), we will visit spectacular waterfalls, geysers, impressive coastline, the National Park of Thingvellir and much more. Other excursions can be arranged in the free days for SEEDS volunteers at discount fares.