The Blue Mountains of Iceland - Bláfjöll (2)

WORK/PROJECT: From the year 2007, SEEDS Iceland has been working with few other NGOs in the South-west of Iceland in charge of the revegetation of this area of the country. The aim of the project is to halt the erosion of vegetation and soils and to strengthen the ecosystem of the area by enhancing its natural vegetation. Through the process of using organic waste materials as fertilizing means, we achieve a double dividend. Close to 70% of the total population of Iceland lives in this area of the country and the area has suffered of overgrazing and volcanic activity; some areas are stripped entirely of top soil.

Formerly harsh eroded and rocky, Heiðmörk is now an attractive and popular outdoor haven for the people of the Greater Reykjavík area, all that because of optimistic and ambitious reclamation efforts in the 20th century. Different kinds of organic waste materials are being generated in great quantities annually in the area. Over 130,000 tonnes of organics are being generated every year in the area, including over 70,000 tonnes of different kinds of manure. Quantities of organic household and commercial waste are also substantial. Causing local pollution problems, these materials have so far lacked a channel where they can be utilized for reclamation purposes. However, better fertilizing agents can hardly be found!

The project strives to combine professionalism with idealism. The reclamation results and efforts can already be seen at a number of sites in the area, despite the project’s youth.

Volunteers will basically perform three different types of work: a) Fertilising the slopes in Bláfjöll by yard-waste cover. This is the most important work. b) Monitoring the survival and growth rate of tree plantations of former years. c) Cleaning up in the vicinity of caves in the Bláfjöll area. Volunteers will be working hand-on-hand with Icelandic students from the working school, Vinnuskóli.

ACCOMMODATION: Volunteers will be lodged most of the time directly in the area of Bláfjöll in a fully equipped skiing hut and part of the time in a local school in the city of Reykjavík. Volunteers will sleep on mattresses and need to bring a sleeping bag. Food ingredients will be provided and a kitchen will be available, volunteers will share the duties of preparing and cooking meals.

LOCATION: The Bláfjöll volcanic mountain range is located about 30 minutes drive from Reykjavík and the river Elliðaá have its source there, streaming down to the lake HElliðavatnH in the eastern suburban border of the city, on the way it passes through the nature reserve area of Heiðmörk. The highest mountain reaches 600m and therefore since 1968 the region became a very popular skiing area among Icelanders and the favourite for skiers in the Capital area.

Reykjavík is the capital of Iceland, often called “the nightlife capital of the north”. But there is more to Reykjavík than pubs and clubs. It also gathers the most interesting of Icelandic culture. It is an incubator of new ideas and styles which often indicates new global trends. It is an International city with a lively Cosmopolitan cultural scene.

The world’s northernmost capital bridges the Atlantic, between Europe and North America. Reykjavík is spread across a peninsula with a panoramic view of the mountains and the Atlantic on almost all sides. The population of the city is over 200,000 including the metropolitan area, so two thirds of Iceland’s inhabitants live here. It is a dynamic, modern city which lives in harmony with beautiful nature, using renewable energy sources, geothermal power and glacial rivers.

LANGUAGE: English will be the language of the camp; high proficiency is not required.

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

EXTRAS: Participation fee EUR 140,-. Excursions to the South of Iceland and a weekend stay away from the project (likely to the largest National Park in Europe: Skaftafell/Vatnajökull National Park) will be organised.

During the days in Reykjavík, SEEDS will provide volunteers with passes to access free of charge the city’s seven geothermal swimming pools and beach.

AGE: 16+