Adventure in Trolls' land

WORK/PROJECT: SEEDS volunteers will work in a remote turf-farm which has been used as a hut for travellers and hikers. The farm was inhabited until 1965 and for some years it was maintained and looked for. Since the year 1981 the farm has been poorly kept and needs substantial care as it has become a very popular place to stay for hikers in this isolated area in the North of the country. We will assist in maintaining this old farm house and the main tasks will include turfing both the house and the surroundings and do some general gardening work. We will do some paint work and assist with its preparation. Furthermore the house needs to be isolated so mice will not have access to it and we might also help with light smith work such as fixing chairs and tables. We will help to clean the area and undertake other general environmental tasks.The working plan will be very flexible and it will depend on the needs of our local host, how the project develops and of course on the weather conditions while we help to preserve the local environment. Last but not least we will explore the surrounding of the location and enjoy free time activities arranged in cooperation with the local host such as trips to the near by swimming pool.

ACCOMMODATION: Sleeping arrangements will vary, we might spend part of the time in tents and where cooking facilities will be arranged. We might also be hosted in a local community house in sleeping bag accommodation. We might also sleep on the location, in the old farm house. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Food ingredients will be provided and a kitchen will be available. The group will be responsible for cooking and cleaning activities and please do not forget some traditional food from your home country for the international evening. About 30 minutes from the project there is a swimming pool and the host will take us there when possible.

LOCATION: The old farm is located in the remote Barkárdalur which is a side valley of Hörgárdalur. From there are walking routs to the heart of Tröllaskagi "Trolls' Headland'" between Eyjafjörður and Skagafjörður), a mountainous peninsula, where most of the mountains rise above 1000 meters and the highest one is over 1500 meters. The area is not a continuous highland, but has deep valleys which glaciers have dug with their enormous power in the last Ice Age. The area is renowned as one of Iceland's most spectacular areas for outdoor activity. Hikers can find suitable walking routes at any time of year, while mountaineers can scale peaks of all shapes and sizes. The project is located the county Eyjafjarðarsýsla, in the North of the country. The surface is 3.930 km and includes the island Grímsey. The district consists of 6 municipalities, Akureyri with 17.490 inhabitants and Dalvík with 1.454 inhabitants are the largest towns. Akureyri is the largest town after the capital area, and it attracts both Icelanders and foreigners to its lively cultural scenery, fantastic out-door and recreational areas and yet safe and calm town atmosphere.

LANGUAGE: English will be the official language in the camp; high proficiency is not a requirement.

TERMINAL: Closest International Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF). SEEDS organises the 'minibus option', a shared transport from Reykjavík to the camps and vice-versa, which apart from being cheaper and more convenient, allows volunteers to meet fellow campers and have a relaxed trip, while stopping on the way for interesting and tourist sites.

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: Participation fee EUR 180. Volunteers should have a motivation for working outdoors and staying in a very remote place. Volunteers will spend part of the time in tents and and cook in basic kitchen facilities. SEEDS and/or our host will organize some free time activities such as trips to the swimming pool.

AGE: 18+