Icelandic Natural Heritage in the far East

WORK/PROJECT: SEEDS volunteers will be working in two different locations in the far East of the country. The first week we will be working at a Nature and Heritage centre, working mainly in reforestation and soil erosion prevention; we will also assist in preparing vegetable gardens, clean the coast, care for some livestock; build shelter and fences -all being a part of the area's sustainability. These projects may also include traditional food and drink preparation, like smoking, curing, cheese making and even ale brewing.

The second week we will be working on environmental and nature oriented tasks on a farm. Our tasks will mainly focus on improving the environment in and around the area; planting trees, doing some paint work, cleaning, building items out of timber etc.

The host keeps horses, dogs and cats. The volunteers will have access to the animals and will be given guidance in taking care of and riding horses. The working plan will be very flexible and it will depend on the needs of our local hosts, the advance of the diverse projects in the area and of course on the weather conditions.

ACCOMMODATION: Volunteers will stay in shared rooms in a sleeping bag accommodation with access to kitchen and bathrooms. Please bring your own sleeping bag.

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.

LOCATION: 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 and wildlife.

There are no public transportation services to the closest town and entertainment alternatives are in connection with 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 sea and high mountains reaching up to 600 meters in height, border the area. You can also discover waterfalls, snowfields and reindeers -all within walking distance of our accommodation house.

The farm is located in beautiful settings as well; It is close to Hallormsstaðaskógur, the largest wooded area of the country that spreads over 30 ha. of land. The reforestation has been going on ever since a law for the protection was passed in1899. The tree collection keeps an extensive variety of foreign trees and is renowned among professionals and travellers. The oldest part of the woodland is accessible with good hiking trails and explanation signs.

The area offers great variety of walking paths, such as to the deepest valley of the country and up to Sandfell where the view is quite magnificent. Riding tours up to the mountains or in the woodland is also a nice experience. The East Fjords is a region of a special landscape, dominated by long, narrow fjords and steep mountains. This is one of the oldest regions of Iceland shaped by glaciers in the Ice Age.

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

TERMINAL: International Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF). Domestic airport is Egilsstadir (EGS.

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 160.

Places of extreme beauty & isolation; with countless opportunities to discover them by foot or to hike the surroundings. Volunteers should have a motivation for working outdoors. SEEDS and/or our hosts will organize free time activities for the volunteers.

AGE: 18+