Forestry in the land of fire and ice (3:5)

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 Skógar (e. forests) a small Icelandic village with a population of roughly 25 people.

Volunteers will be working on the surrounding land, thinning forest, making and maintaining walking paths and tracks, cleaning up and beautifying the area and building wood structures. Volunteers might have the chance to a run wood chipping machine under safe condition and supervision.

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, go hiking, visit places of interest in the surrounding locations such as Vík and Seljavallalaug, Skógar museum, go to the local swimming-pool and take part in local cultural events.

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 house 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 Skógar wich is located at the south of the Eyjafjallajökull glacier, in the municipality of Rangárþing eystra.

The area is known for its waterfall, Skógafoss, one of the biggest waterfalls in the country, on the Skógá river, which springs from 60 metres at the top of an eroded cliff. The waterfall is situated in the south of Iceland at the cliffs of the former coastline. The coastline has receded seaward and is now at a distance of about 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) from Skógar.

Due to the amount of spray the waterfall consistently produces, a single or double rainbow is normally visible on sunny days. According to legend, the first Viking settler in the area, Þrasi Þórólfsson, buried a treasure in a cave behind the waterfall. The legend continues that locals found the chest years later, but were only able to grasp the ring on the side of the chest before it disappeared again. The ring was allegedly given to the local church. The old church door ring is now in a museum, but whether it gives any credence to the folklore is debatable.

At Skógar is a folk museum, Skógasafn which the volunteers will have the chance to visit.

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 200 (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 weekends will be devoted to leisure activities organised in cooperation with SEEDS and our hosting partner.

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

Age: 18+