Forestry in the land of fire and ice (1:5)

WORK/PROJECT: SEEDS volunteers will participate for the third year in a row in a unique project with the Icelandic Forestry Association. The work camp will take place in an old Icelandic farm, in the beautiful area of Lake Úlfljótsvatn. Volunteers will be working on the surrounding farmland, performing different tasks such as clearing old fences, planting trees, cleaning up and beautifying the area.

Six to seven hours of efficient work are expected on week days. After workday, one hour will be devoted to education. During this relaxed interactive time volunteers will have the opportunity to learn and discuss about environmental matters and forestry, practice numerous tools, learn how to pronounce the camp location and other Icelandic sites/words, meet locals, and possibly visit some interesting sites.

Volunteers need to be motivated to work outdoors and be willing to take part in all the diverse tasks connected with the project. Work is physical and demanding.

ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS volunteers will be hosted in a basically equipped farmhouse in a sleeping bag accommodation. Please bring your own sleeping bag.

Food supplies will be provided and a kitchen will be available. Volunteers will share the duties of cooking and cleaning.

Do not forget some traditional/typical food from your home country for an international evening.

LOCATION: The camp will take place in the area of Lake Úlfljótsvatn which lies just south of Lake Thingvallavatn a 70 km drive from Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland. The area is beloved among scouts and nature lovers and it is popular for recreational fishing. The attractive surroundings of the lake are patterned with hiking trails and walking paths.

Only a stone's throw away from the site of the camp lays the UNESCO world heritage site of Thingvellir. It’s a national park and was the location of Iceland’s parliament from 930 to 1798. Many of Iceland’s biggest moments in history happened in Thingvellir, such as the adoption of Christianity around 1000 AD and the foundation of the modern Republic in 1944.

History is not the only reason attracting Icelanders and tourists to Þingvellir, it is also a place of extraordinary beauty and a complex ecological system. The area of Þingvellir was established as a national park in 1930 and it is part of a fissure zone running through Iceland. Þingvellir is situated on the tectonic plate boundaries of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The faults and fissures of the area make evident the rifting of the earths’ crust.

LANGUAGE: English will be the language in the camp; basic conversational skills are needed.

TERMINAL: Closest international Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF). Bus station: Central Reykjavík (BSÍ).

SEEDS organises the “minibus option”, a shared transport from Reykjavík to the camp site and vice versa. Apart from being cheaper and more convenient, it 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 (Euros). To be paid to SEEDS on arrival.

Volunteers should have a motivation for working outdoors and be prepared to experience all kinds of weather.

This camp includes environmental education and two weekends will be devoted to leisure activities organised by our hosting partner.

We will enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the camp by hiking in the area, go sight-seeing etc.

Age: 18+