Nature & Culture in the South of Iceland

WORK/PROJECT: SEEDS volunteers will be working on environmental and nature oriented tasks in this project, based on an Icelandic farm in the South of Iceland. Our tasks will mainly be focused on improving the environment in and around the whole area. There is an old wave-iron barn that needs to be cleaned and painted; we will be clearing some trees and planting new ones, and tearing down old fences among other things. We will have the opportunity to live and work with an Icelandic family and also participating in the diverse tasks that they are involved in, in their daily lives. This is a unique opportunity to get to know and to experience firsthand how a family in the countryside lives. The farm is big, with sheep, cows and horses, have their own produce and we will have the opportunity to learn about that. The working plan will be very flexible and it will depend on the needs of our hosts, the advance of the diverse projects in the area and of course on the weather conditions. We will help to preserve the local environment and explore the surroundings enjoying our free time.

ACCOMMODATION: We will be hosted in a farmhouse, sleeping on mattresses on the floor. Please bring your own sleeping bag. The house is a fully equipped home, with access to a kitchen, bathroom and a washing machine. We will share the different duties of cooking and cleaning. Do not forget some traditional/typical food from your home country for the international evening.

LOCATION: The work camp is in the beautiful south lowlands of Iceland. We will be able to explore and enjoy the south Icelandic lowland, which is made out of sand and rock sediments delivered by the river Þjórsá during the last centuries. The land is covered mostly by green grass and the closeness of the ocean can be felt in the air. The Southern district is known by its geothermal activity which helped to develop important greenhouse agriculture. The south of Iceland is one of the most popular destinations for travellers as the landscape offers diverse and breathtaking nature. Rivers and waterfalls, mountains, glaciers and long beaches form a contrast and offer a wide range of experiences. The project takes place in an active Icelandic farm in south Iceland. In this area you will find some of Iceland's most beautiful places, like Þórsmörk, Tindfjöll, Eyjafjallajökull, Skógarfoss, Seljalandsfoss (a waterfall you can walk behind)and Paradísarhellir (Paradise Cave) in addition to finding unique natural and geological heritage sites and relics of a centuries-old forest.

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

TERMINAL: International Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF). Bus station: Central Reykjavík (BSÍ). 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. Volunteers need to be motivated to work outdoors and be willing to take part in all the diverse projects connected with the work camp. SEEDS and/or our hosting partner will organise free time activities in the area for the volunteers. This might include horse-back riding, fishing, sight-seeing for a small price, hiking etc. Place of extreme beautiful natural surroundings with countless opportunities to hike and discover it by foot.

AGE: 18+