Forestry in the Far East of Iceland

WORK/PROJECT: SEEDS volunteers will again be working on a project in the beautiful Hallormsstaðaskógur forest in the far East of Iceland, doing nature and environment-oriented tasks. SEEDS has been cooperating with the Icelandic Forest Service and our groups of volunteers have been helping out for some years, with very good results for the participants, the projects and the Icelandic nature conservation and reforestation efforts. 

The main tasks will be to maintain hiking paths, build stairs, make and put up signs. Volunteers will also put up benches and tables in the forest. Other tasks will be to trim branches and beautify groves that are located near hiking paths. Well maintained paths enable people to visit these amazing areas without damaging the surroundings and this important work also helps to improve safety for visitors.

No previous experience is necessary, but the work is demanding and requires a good physical condition.  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 weather, we may not be able to perform some of the tasks or activities planned.

Weather is unpredictable and it can be cold and/or rainy, be prepared to experience all kinds of weather. We recommend bringing good walking shoes/boots, warm and/or waterproof clothes (underlayers, overcoats, scarves, gloves and hats), as most of the tasks and activities take place outside.

Last but not least, volunteers can explore the surroundings of the location and enjoy free-time activities arranged in cooperation with our local project host.

ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS volunteers will sleep in beds in a house belonging to the Icelandic Forest Service. The house is fully equipped. Please bring your own sleeping bag. 

Volunteers will receive food supplies and will be in charge of cooking and cleaning. Do not forget to bring some traditional/typical food, drinks, music and recipes from your country for the intercultural evening.

LOCATION: Hallormsstaðaskógur is the largest wooded area of the country. It extends over an area of 740 ha. The reforestation of the area has been going on since a protection law was passed in 1899. The oldest part of the woodland is accessible by good hiking trails. The area offers a great variety of trails, such as one through the deepest valley of the country and one up to Sandfell where the view is quite magnificent. 

Small streams run through the land where visitors can cool down on warm summer days. The Eastfjords is a region with a special landscape, dominated by long, narrow fjords and steep mountains. The wild reindeer of Iceland are found here; the herd counts between three and four thousand animals.

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

TERMINAL & TRANSPORT: Closest international Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF).

SEEDS offers the minibus option: shared transport from Reykjavík to the camp and back. Apart from being cheaper and convenient, it allows participants to meet and have a relaxed trip, while stopping on the way for interesting sites.

The SEEDS minibus will travel one way along the northern part of the country and the other along the south coast of Iceland. In this way we will travel the whole ring road and stop at magnificent natural sights, including waterfalls, glaciers, volcano craters, hot springs, iceberg lagoons, black sand beaches, etc. Meeting point at SEEDS’ office in Reykjavík at 7:00 am on 4 September. Return to Reykjavík in the late evening of 19 September.

The minibus to this camp will cost EUR 75 (Euros) each way. This is about 30-40% cheaper than public transport.

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: Participation fee EUR 300 (Euros). The fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid in cash on arrival. The participation fee does not include the transportation from Reykjavík to the camp and back, which will cost EUR 75 (Euros) one way or EUR 150 (Euros) both ways.

This work camp takes place in a very remote place, located in a natural area of extreme beauty. Outdoor free-time activities, for instance hikes or walks in the surroundings, will be arranged for SEEDS volunteers.

Volunteers have to bring good working shoes and clothes and, as autumn is coming, bring warm winter clothes, walking boots, gloves and a good sleeping bag. The project takes place outside and it can get very cold. Please bring warm under layers, waterproofs. Free-time activities in the area will be organised depending on weather.