Forestry in the North-east of Iceland

WORK/PROJECT: SEEDS volunteers will be working in forestry in two beautiful locations in the North and Northeast of Iceland, which are a part of the largest continuous woodland in the country. One week the work will focus mostly on forest work, clipping and thinning. The forests are growing in size every year, and to keep them healthy and able to grow, the trees need some (tender, love & care) thinning to make room for each tree to grow bigger. The other week we will be making and maintaining walking paths. These forests are very popular and therefore the walking paths need constant maintenance to keep up with the traffic of hikers that come here every year. We will be responsible for cutting some hedge and do some light maintenance of the forestry house, like painting.

ACCOMMODATION: We will be hosted in a nice house in the forest. The house is owned by the Forestry Association and is used for those working in the forest. We will be sleeping on mattresses on the floor. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Food ingredients will be provided and a nice kitchen, dining- and living room will be available. We will share the duties of cooking and cleaning. Please do not forget some traditional food from your home country for the international evening.

LOCATION: The project will take place in the North/Northeast of Iceland in two forests. Forests cover very little area in Iceland and there is a great interest expanding the ones we have, reforesting those that have been eroded and planting new ones where appropriate. Growing a forest creates change. That is why it is important that the new forest agrees with the landscape and does not compromise environmental or cultural monuments.

One of the forest where we will be working is the oldest cared for birch forest in the country with the tallest and straightest birch trees in Iceland. The forest was bought and protected in 1905 and the work has been continuous ever since. SEEDS volunteers will be a part of this great work! The area is in the largest continuous woodland in Iceland, reaching from Háls at the western part of Ljósavatnsskarð and south to Belgsá, and it is spreading. In the valley flows Fnjóská, regarded by many as the most beautiful fishing river in Iceland. There are many marked hiking routes in the area and museums of nature, culture and trees. These forests are a very popular destination, with large camping sites, and many people choose to have their vacations there. The forests are close to many of the most beautiful places in Iceland, like Mýatn, Dimmuborgir, Goðafoss, Ásbyrgi - a huge horseshoe shaped cliff face, reputedly a hoof print made by the Norse god Odin's eight-legged horse - and Húsavík, Iceland's premier whale-watching venue.

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

TERMINAL: Closest International Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF). Closest Domestic Airport: Akureyri (AEY), closest bus stations in Akureyri or Húsavík.

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 applying for this project should be motivated to work with people in outdoor activities. The work will be physical and might be demanding, but always rewarding. We shall be prepared for walking and a flexible time schedule.

AGE: 18+