Icelandic nature from East to North

WORK & STUDY/PROJECT: SEEDS Volunteers will have the unique opportunity to be working in two different locations in Iceland, in the east as well as in the north.

The first week we will spend in the east at a Nature and Heritage centre, working mainly in reforestation and soil erosion prevention; additional different activities will be undertaken depending on the advance and the weather. These projects may include traditional turf wall and stone wall construction, path building and maintenance, lupine control, preparation of a vegetable garden and cleaning of the coast line.

On our second week, in the north, we will also be focusing on forestry work. Our host grows plants and trees that are to be planted in the woods and other places; we need to make sure that the plants and trees are fine and that they are good for the planting work. Other projects we might be dealing with are related to forestry work as planting, potting and transplanting.

ACCOMMODATION: We will have two different types of accommodation. In the east, we will stay within the reserve and will sleep in bunk beds in shared rooms. In the north we will be sleeping in a local house, on mattresses on the floor. We need to bring our own sleeping bags.

We will receive food and be in charge of the different cooking and cleaning activities. Equipped kitchen and washing machine are available.

LOCATION: The first week we will stay in the East fjords. The heritage and nature conservation centre and its reserve are located in a very isolated area in the East of Iceland, far from any urban centre; we should be aware of the location remoteness and its extreme natural beauty.

There are no public transportation services to the closest town and entertainment alternatives are connected to the gorgeous nature; walking and hiking journeys during the free time and the creativity of the group. This project is adequate for volunteers enjoying isolated places with splendid nature and looking for peaceful surroundings as the quietness of the area. The site is bounded by the sea and High Mountains reaching up to 600 meters in height.

The reserve is managed as a conservation site for environmental education and sustainable tourism; hosting a number of environmentally important flora and fauna including one of Iceland’s largest colonies of Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea), 600m sea cliffs hosting significant numbers of nesting sea birds (including Puffin, Kittiwake and Fulmar) and is home to the elusive arctic fox. There are at least 150 species of plants, 47 bird species and the four Icelandic mammals many of which you will see whilst working within the reserve.

The second week of the workcamp will take place in the North of Iceland, close to the biggest community there, Akureyri on the shore of Eyjafjörður, which is the longest fjords in the country and is surrounded by mountains reaching up to 1500 m. The Arctic Circle is only 60 km North of Akureyri but still the climate is mild, with summer temperatures up to 25°C.

North Iceland is an expansive, enchanting region, where you can find all of Iceland's attractive aspects, culture and a flourishing society, endless opportunities for entertainment and outdoor recreation, picturesque nature in all directions, and more natural sights than almost anywhere else.

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

TERMINAL: Closest international Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF). Domestic airport is Akureyri (AEY) and Egilsstadir (EGS). SEEDS organises the “minibus option”, a shared transport from Reykjavík to the camp and vice-versa, which apart from being cheaper and more convenient, allows volunteers to meet and have a relaxed trip, while stopping on the way for interesting and tourist sites.

EXTRAS: Participation fee EUR 180,- (Euros). Free time activities will be organized for us. We will have the unique opportunity to work in two sites and travel to two different areas of the country while working in meaningful environmental projects.

AGE: 18+