SEEDS 054. Forestry & tree planting in the North

PROJECT / WORK:  SEEDS volunteers will be working on a forestry and farming project at a local farm in the beautiful Svarfaðardalur valley in the north of Iceland, doing nature and environment-oriented tasks. The farm is a family cooperation that started 2 years ago. The aim is to create a holistic organic farming with vegetables and in the future also with animals. 

The forestry project started in the summer of 2022 is very important for biodiversity and wind-shelter. The main tasks will include tree-planting, putting up fences for tree protection and doing other outdoor tasks that will be needed around the building of infrastructure in the farm. 

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.

This is an exciting opportunity for volunteers with passion, interest and stamina to be a part of the development of this unique farm and to get to know the ideology behind it.

Weather is unpredictable, there can be warm and sunny days but it can also be cold and/or rainy, so be prepared for 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 at the farm. Please bring your own sleeping bag.  The host will arrange all meals and the volunteers will take shifts assisting in the kitchen. It is important that volunteers keep in mind to keep all common areas clean.

The facilities are basic with a kitchen, showers and a washing machine. Everyone is expected to show consideration for their companions in the shared accommodation. 

Do not forget to bring some traditional/typical food, drinks, recipes, music, games or movies from your country for the intercultural evening. Please be aware some items or ingredients may be expensive in Iceland and you will need to buy them yourselves or bring them from your country. 

LOCATION: The farm is located in Svarfaðardalur, a large and beautiful valley that is part of the Dalvíkurbyggð municipality. The camp location is 3 km away from the village of Dalvík , which has a nice swimming pool and a different variety of services, and 40 km to the town of Akureyri the “capital of northern Iceland”. 

Svarfaðardalur is a wide, fertile and populated valley, dotted with quintessential farmsteads, gurgling streams and surrounded by a ring of spectacular mountain peaks. The highest mountain in the area is Dýjafjallshnjúkur, its summit measuring 1445m. The Svarfaðardalur Nature Reserve, Iceland’s oldest wetland protection area, spans out across the valley’s lower marshlands. Covering almost 8 square kilometers, this area is famous as a nesting ground for a wide variety of bird species.

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

TERMINAL: Closest international Airports: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF) or Akureyri (AEY). 

Meeting point at SEEDS’ office in Reykjavík at 5:00 pm on August 18. Return to Reykjavík in the late evening of August 27.

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS:  Participation fee EUR 350 (Euros). The fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid in cash on arrival. The participation fee includes the transportation from Reykjavík to the camp and back.

This camp takes place in a remote place, located in a natural area of extreme beauty. SEEDS volunteers can also explore the surroundings of the location and enjoy free-time outdoor activities (like hikes or walks) arranged in cooperation with our local project host. 

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