Revegetation in the south of Iceland (2:2)

WORK/PROJECT: Since 2007, SEEDS has been working with a few other NGOs devoted to the re-vegetation of eroded soils in the south-west of Iceland. The aim of the project is to halt the downward spiral of erosion and to strengthen the ecosystem by enhancing its natural vegetation.

In 2013 SEEDS volunteers will perform three different types of work: a) Revegetation and erosion control, b) Monitoring the survival and growth of tree plantations of former years. c) Tree planting. Volunteers might be working hand-in-hand with Icelanders of similar age. 

By using organic waste materials for fertilizing we aim for a double gain. The soils, poor in plant nutrients, are enriched while the amount of materials in need for a waste treatment is substantially decreased. The south-west is part of the volcanic belt of Iceland, with vast lava fields and erodible volcanic soils. Additionally, the area has suffered from overgrazing of sheep for long. Consequently the ecological condition is rather poor and some areas are stripped entirely of top soil.

Close to 70% of the total population lives in this part of Iceland. Different kinds of organic waste materials are being generated in and from the urban environment, substantial quantities every year. In the long run materials like horse manure, garden waste and the likes are the best revegetation means available. We work to make way for these materials as a revegetation medium. In this project we combine professionalism with idealism. The results so far can already be seen at a number of sites in the area and since 2007 with great contribution from SEEDS volunteers.

ACCOMMODATION: Volunteers will be lodged in a school with basic facilities in one of Reykjavik’s neighbouring towns, Hafnarfjörður. We will sleep on mattresses, please bring a sleeping bag.

Food ingredients will be provided and the group will be responsible for cooking and cleaning. Please do not forget some traditional food from your home country for the international evening.

LOCATION: The work will take place in the vicinity of Reykjavík, and the groups will touch upon more than one project in different places. The main emphasis will be on erosion control on the banks of Kleifarvatn (big lake in Reykjanes peninsula), Vatnsskarð, Bolalda, Sandskeið and Bláfjöll.

The Reykjanes peninsula is located near the capital and most travellers coming to Iceland land in the area: As the Reykjanes coastline draws closer and the plane prepares to land at Keflavík Airport, the peninsula is marked by active volcanism under its surface, and large lava fields allow little vegetation. There are numerous hot springs and sulphur springs in the southern half of the peninsula, around the Kleifarvatn Lake and in the Krýsuvík geothermal area. The Peninsula is envied for its hiking trails that zigzag through the region with colourful landscapes. Amazing ocean cliffs, (up to 70 m high) are nested by numerous bird species, often a wonderful spot for bird and whale watching. Another great asset of the peninsula is the geothermal power station at Svartsengi, where a pool has been installed using the hot and mineralized water coming down from the station. It is known as the "Blue Lagoon".

The Leif the Lucky Bridge is named after the Icelandic explorer Leifur Eriksson who travelled from Europe to America 500 years before Columbus. It spans the Álfagjá rift valley (60 feet wide and 20 deep) that marks the boundary of the Eurasian and North American continental tectonic plates.

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

TERMINAL: Closest International Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF).

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: Participation fee EUR 200 (Euros).

Excursions (Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle or South shore) can be arranged for SEEDS volunteers at discount fares, 30 – 50% lower than regular tour operators.

Please bring warm clothes and outdoor wear as the weather in Iceland can be quite unpredictable, even during the summer months. Our host will organize a two-day trip to the countryside at minimum cost for the volunteers.

AGE: +18