Forestry & hiking trails in the West

WORK/PROJECT: SEEDS volunteers will be working on a project in the beautiful forest Jafnaskarðsskógur in the far South-west of Iceland, doing nature and environmental oriented tasks. SEEDS has been cooperating with the Icelandic forest service and our groups of volunteers have been helping out for few years with very good results for the participants, the projects and the Icelandic nature conservation and reforestation efforts.

The main task in hand is to maintain and rebuild a 1,2 km long old footpath within the forest. SEEDS volunteers will perform four different types of tasks depending on the project and host needs each time:

a) Fixing steps on the old footpath, b) Cutting tree branches, c) Vegetation from the path and d) Putting a new layer of wood chips on the footpath.

The main tasks will be to maintain and repair existing hiking paths, build steps/stairs. Other tasks may be to trim branches and beautify groves that are located near the trails. Well maintained paths enable people to visit these amazing areas without damaging the area and this important work also helps to improve safety for visitors. All work is done by hand with wheelbarrows and hand tools.

The work can be demanding and might require a good physical condition. No previous experience is needed. As it is outdoors work, volunteers shall be ready to adapt and be flexible with the working and free-time schedule, as depending on the -changeable- weather, we may not be able to perform some of the tasks or activities planned. The working plan will be flexible and it will depend on the needs of our local host, the advance of the diverse projects in the area surrounding the forest and of course on the weather conditions.

Volunteers should be prepared for all kinds of weather and bring warm winter clothes as the tasks take place outside and it can get very cold at this time of the year. Bring warm under-layers, waterproofs, walking shoes/boots, a good sleeping bag, hat scarves  and gloves.  

ACCOMMODATION: Volunteers will be lodged in an old farmstead owned by the Icelandic Forest Service, which is located approximately 5 km from the forest. The house is the old garage at the farm which has been transformed into a summer house. There are beds for 7 people, a small kitchen, dining and a living room, WC and a shower. Volunteers will sleep on mattresses provided, but please bring a sleeping bag.

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 forest Jafnaskarðsskógur which is located 25 Km from Borgarnes and about 3 km from Bifröst. In the area there are many interesting places to visit, the waterfalls Glanni and Barnafossar, hiking trails and Húsafell, a summer house area with a camp site, hot springs, glacier view, golf course and a swimming pool.

West Iceland is famous for its Sagas, most of the Icelandic Sagas were written in West Iceland. Egils Saga, Sturlunga saga and Laxdæla are all stories of farmers, vikings and outlaws in Year 850-1000. In West Iceland you will also have a lot of stories of elves and trolls and folk tales. The area is very charming with a lot of history.

LANGUAGE: English will be the language in the camp; basic conversational skills are needed.

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

SEEDS organises the “minibus option”, a shared transport from Reykjavík to the camps and vice-versa, which apart from being cheaper and more convenient, allows volunteers to meet fellow campers and have a relaxed trip, while stopping on the way for interesting and tourist sites.

Departure from Reykjavík will be at 9:00 in the morning of May 20 from SEEDS office in Reykjavík. After the camp, we will arrive back to Reykjavík in the evening of May 26.

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: Participation fee EUR 150 (Euros). Please note that these fees are to be paid to SEEDS on arrival in either Euros or Icelandic krónas.  

The participation fee does not include the transportation from Reykjavík to the camp and back but we estimate the costs about EUR 25 each way.

Free time activities in the area will be organised depending on weather.