SEEDS 010. Hiking trails & Forestry - West Iceland

PROJECT: SEEDS volunteers will be working in a beautiful forest located in the countryside district of Borgarbyggð, West Iceland, doing nature-conservation and environment-oriented tasks. SEEDS has been cooperating with the Icelandic Forest Service and our groups of volunteers have been helping out for more than 15 years in different locations all around the country; 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 in addition our volunteers’ work 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.

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. There is no WiFi in the house.

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: The project will take place in the West of Iceland countryside; in a district called Borgarbyggð, in a unique natural environment with breathtaking landscape, between glaciers and lava fields. The place is like an oasis in the desert, as the weather there is often better than in the surroundings. 

The area's landscape, nature and culture reflect this heritage and bring history to life. There are many possibilities for outdoor recreation in a true natural paradise. The area is home to the most powerful hot spring in Europe, Deildartunguhver. Among the natural wonders nearby are the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, where water pours out of a lava field over a length of 1 km. 

Additionally, the Hallmundarhraun lava field is among the deepest and best known  in Iceland. Langjökull (Long Glacier), the second largest glacier in Iceland, expands over 950 km² and its highest point is 1355 m. 

In addition to natural wonders this area is also famous for being one of the first settled locations in Iceland and featured in some of the oldest Icelandic sagas. Historically, its natural warmth made the location an early settlement adding even more depth to its incredible saga and Viking tales that surround the place. The region can be regarded as the setting for most of the Icelandic sagas. 

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, a 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.
Meeting point at SEEDS’ office at 11:00 am on April 20. Return to Reykjavík in the afternoon of April 30. The minibus to this camp will cost EUR 35 each way, about 20% cheaper than public transport.

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: Participation fee EUR 200 (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 35 (Euros) one way or EUR 70 (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.

The project takes place outside and it can get cold and rainy. We recommend bringing warm and waterproof clothes (underlayers, overcoats, scarves, gloves and hats), good working and walking shoes.