Alviðra - Environmental Education Centre

WORK/PROJECT: This project gives SEEDS volunteers the opportunity to live in an old farm which has been transformed into an environmental-education centre.

The project will take place in two different locations close to the farm where the volunteers stay and the participants will be divided into two subgroups according to their skills and interest.

One part of the project will take place next to the river Ölfusá, in a small “paradise” where a nature enthusiast is preparing a place where it will be possible to host volunteers in the future and work on nature protection and environmental issues. Part of the tasks will be to clear out an old storage house, cutting trees, clearing weed and attend a vegetable garden. Other tasks might be maintaining hiking paths and general cleaning of the area.

The other part will be more a development project, working on ideas of the Organic Map of Iceland both as an app for telephones and in a printed version. Other tasks will be research and registration of information in a database. Volunteers have to be motivated and able to take part in group discussion, have some knowledge on environmental issues and have some computer skills.

Part of the project might also take place in the farm where the volunteers will stay, planning, preparing and helping out with an “education day” in the farm.

The work can by physically demanding and volunteers need to be motivated to work outdoors and to be flexible to work in all the diverse tasks connected with the project. Volunteers should be prepared for cold or rainy weather since part of the work takes place outdoors.

ACCOMMODATION: We will live in a beautiful typical Icelandic farmhouse and will sleep in the loft on mattresses with sleeping bags. Please bring your own sleeping bag. The house has equipped kitchen, showers and toilets. The group will be responsible for cooking and cleaning activities.

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

LOCATION: We will stay in an old farmhouse, Alviðra, 1 hour drive from Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland. The house sits under Ingólfsfjall, The Mountain of Ingólfur, with a view to Eyjafjallajökull where the volcanic eruptions started in March and April 2010.

The place is registered as natural Icelandic heritage; the nature, vegetation and birdlife is rich in variety and quantity. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities in a peaceful and beautiful location with a small stream and a pond nearby. Hiking trails with maps about cultural heritage can be found are spread around the area, which is a popular attraction among foreign and local visitors.

Wild blue- and crowberries grow on the land and the berry season is in August/September so volunteers might be able to pick berries. The house serves as an environmental-educational centre where visitors can have a look at an extensive stone and stuffed animal collection.

The river Sogið is within walking distance which is a place of interest in itself regarding birdlife and fishing. The river is 19 km long and is the largest freshwater river in the country in terms of flow. The nearest town, Selfoss, is only 10 minutes-drive away with 6500 inhabitants, is a centre of commerce and small industries where you find a geothermal swimming pool, shops, museums, cafés and bars.

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.

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 200 (Euros).

Please note that the fees are to be paid to SEEDS on arrival in either Euros or Icelandic crowns.

Age: 20+