Nature & Heritage centre in the East of Iceland

WORK/PROJECT: Volunteers will be mainly involved in reforestation work; additional different activities will be undertaken depending on the advance of tree planting and the weather conditions. These projects may include traditional turf wall construction, stone wall construction, path building and maintenance, lupine control, preparation of an organic vegetable garden and cleaning of the coast line.

ACCOMMODATION: Volunteers will stay within the reserve and will sleep either in bunk beds or on mattresses. A warm sleeping bag is strongly recommended.

LOCATION: The heritage and nature conservation centre and its reserve are located in a very isolated area in the East of Iceland, far from any urban centre; volunteers shall be aware of the location remoteness and its extreme natural beauty. There are no public transportation services to the closest town and entertainment alternatives are connected to the gorgeous nature, walking and hiking journeys during the free time, boat trips organised by our hosts and the creativity of the group. This project is adequate for volunteers enjoying isolated places with splendid nature and looking for peaceful surroundings as the quietness of the area. The site is bounded by the sea and High Mountains reaching up to 600 meters in height.

The reserve is managed as a conservation site for environmental education and sustainable tourism; hosting a number of environmentally important flora and fauna including one of Iceland's largest colonies of Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea), 600m sea cliffs hosting significant numbers of nesting sea birds (including Puffin, Kittiwake and Fulmar) and is home to the elusive arctic fox. There are at least 150 species of plants, 47 bird species and the four Icelandic mammals many of which you will see whilst working within the reserve.

The East Fjords are a magnificent landscape of long, narrow fjords, steep mountains and jagged peaks. This is one of the oldest regions of Iceland, which was shaped by glaciers in the Ice Age. Glacial action uncovered magma chambers which had been about 3 km beneath the surface, where zeolites had formed. These beautiful rocks can now be seen along the coast. The more remote fjords are now mostly uninhabited, but hiking is popular through these deserted regions of high mountain ridges and verdant valleys. Off the shore are grassy islands, which can be visited by boat. The East Fjords have many natural harbours, and this led to the development of fishing villages in the 19th century, most of which still exist. These seaside communities have a special charm, and many of them have town festivals every year.

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

STUDY THEME: Environmental messenger in the project. S/he will be in charge of delivering ecological and global education messages to both, International volunteers and local hosts through organised activities as workshops, presentations, simulations, discussions, games on topics related to environment, nature protection and sustainability as use of resources, globalisation, millennium development goals, global warming, fair trade, recycling, consumption, etc.

The group will have the opportunity to learn about the environment and culture of Iceland through working on the reserve; the centre and its staff hold a wealth of information which will be available.

TERMINAL: Closest International Airports: Keflavík - Reykjavík (KEF) and domestic airports is Egilsstaðir (EGS). 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.

SPECIAL REMARKS / EXTRAS: Participation/contribution fee of EUR 150,- (Euros). Remote places located in natural reserved areas of extreme beauty. Guided hikes and free time activities in the area will be arranged for SEEDS volunteers. The group will have the opportunity to learn about the environment and culture of Iceland through working on the reserve; the centre and its staff hold a wealth of information which will be available.