Ísafjarðardjúp: Nature & Fun in the Westfjords

WORK/PROJECT: SEEDS volunteers will continue working on this project, after the excellent results of last year?s group. Volunteers will be working on various projects in this remote location in the Icelandic Western fjords. In general, they will be preparing the area before the summer season, when most tourists and hikers visit the district.

The works may involve cleaning, painting, light construction work inside and in the surroundings and the camping area, , but also planting vegetables or helping in horse stables. The working plan will be very flexible and it will depend on the needs of our local hosts and advance of the diverse projects in the area surrounding the valley.

In the afternoon and during the free days there will be enough time to explore the surroundings, trekking and walking, as you will be able to rest in the natural hot tops, bathe in the local swimming pool and discover many other surprises of this beautiful place including horseback riding on the unique Icelandic horses and possibly kayaking in the fjords.

ACCOMMODATION: Volunteers will be hosted in a local housing; sleeping in beds; bringing a sleeping bag is not necessary for the period of the camp. Food will be provided and a kitchen will be available; volunteers will share the duties of helping in the kitchen and cleaning.

LOCATION: The workcamp will take place in the Westfjords in the north-western part of Iceland. The region accounts for 10% of the country?s surface but only about 7200 people live there, so it is one of the least populated areas of Europe. The Westfjords are very mountainous; the coastline is made by dozens of fjords surrounded by steep hills.

The region is bounded by Breiðafjörður in the south, with Gilsfjörður cutting into the land from the west and Bitrufjörður from the east, the two almost severing the ragged peninsula from the main mass of Iceland. The West Fjords are made up of Ísafjarðar-, Barðastrandar-, and Strandir Counties.

In the Westfjords you will be able to explore the whole range of Icelandic flora from the shore and meadows, through birch to mossy moors. On the shore, one can see birds and seals and then an occasional arctic fox around the sheep.

Fishing is traditionally the main industry in the region but tourism started to be more and more important as local and foreign visitors are discovering this region in rising numbers.

The workcamp will take place in a valley covered with birch bushes in Mjóifjörður in Ísafjarðardjúp in North West Iceland. The distances to the next town and villages are 130 km to Isafjörður and 90 km to Hólmavík. Hiking in this beautiful area is very impressive and an inspection of the coastline by walking or kayaking is an inspiring option. Landline phone connection is available, and the place provides a full variety of opportunities for volunteers and visitors.

LANGUAGE: English will be the official language in the camp, high proficiency is not required.

STUDY THEME: This workcamp has an educational/awareness-rising approach to environmental, nature-protection and sustainable development topics. Apart from the leader, we will have an environmental messenger, a person dedicated to organising and developing fun, interactive and educational activities within the project.

TERMINAL: Closest International Airport: Keflavík (Reykjavík), KEF. The closest domestic airport is Ísafjörður (IFJ). SEEDS organises the ?minibus option?, a shared transport from Reykjavík to the camp site and vice-versa. Apart from being cheaper and more convenient, it allows volunteers to meet fellow campers and have a relaxed trip, while stopping on the way for interesting and tourist sites.

SPECIAL REMARKS / EXTRAS: Participation fee EUR 100,- (Euros). Free time activities will be organized for the volunteers by the local hosts free of charge. Place of extreme beauty and isolation; natural surroundings with hot springs, free access to enjoy the hot tub and the local swimming pool.

AGE: 18+