Bjarnarfjörður in the West fjords

WORK/PROJECT: SEEDS volunteers will have the opportunity to participate in this project in the West Fjords. The project takes place in a small community, called Bjarnarfjörður and volunteers will be working in three sites in the area.

The main work task will be to take part in combatting soil erosion, fertilize small trees and maintain walking paths. For the first 3-4 days volunteers will carry fertilizer in rucksacks (provided) up some hills to spread on eroded soils. The next 3-4 days volunteers will fertilize small trees. The rest of the stay volunteers will work on a walking path, marking and fording small wetlands with timber and/or gravel. Volunteers will get good guidance from the hosts on the purpose of the projects and how to manage those tasks in an efficient and easy manner. The nature in the area is quite diverse, the geology, botany and bird life.

The tasks can get rather physically demanding, but the work will be carefully constructed to avoid strain and to be able to enjoy the surroundings as people walk about in the hills. Weather conditions in Iceland are unpredictable, so be prepared to experience all kinds of weather and be sure to bring warm clothing since most of the work will take place outdoors.

ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS volunteers will be hosted in a rustic but charming old farmhouse with ample space and beds for everyone. Please bring your own sleeping bag. The house is equipped with a kitchen. Volunteers will share the duties of preparing food, cooking meals and cleaning. There is no shower in the house, but volunteers will have access to showers at the local swimming pool and natural hot tub, close by. Bring your swimwear.

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

LOCATION: About 20 km from Bjarnarfjörður is Drangsnes, a small fishing village. It is part of the Kaldrananeshreppur municipality and has barely 100 inhabitants. The village got its name from a tall rock (Drangur) named Kerling which according to legend is one of the three trolls who tried to separate the West Fjords from the rest of Iceland.

Bjarnarfjörður is a haven for nature lovers, with vibrant bird life especially in early summer; this area offers easy hiking tracks for everyone in summer and winter alike.

Bjarnarfjörður belongs to the region Strandir (literally: the coasts). For centuries Strandir was one of the most remote areas in Iceland. It was known for the inhabitants’ knowledge of magic and as a refuge for criminals. The landscape of Strandir is far from uniform. The low hills of Hrútafjörður in the south gradually change to 700 m high mountains rising straight from the coast in the northern part, just north of Bjarnarfjörður. The population in the Strandir region is only just under 800. The town Hólmavík (25 km from Bjarnarfjörður) with its 400 inhabitants is the biggest in the area. Warm springs are abundant, feeding natural pools in many places. There is quite some number of rivers, rivulets and small lakes in the area, not to mention majestic waterfalls.

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

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

SEEDS organises a “minibus option”, a shared transport from Reykjavík to the camps and back. Apart from being cheap and convenient, it allows volunteers to meet fellow campers and have a relaxed trip, while stopping on the way for interesting sites.

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: Participation fee EUR 200 (Euros). Please note that these fees are to be paid to SEEDS on arrival in either Euros or Icelandic kronas.

Our hosting partner will organise some free time activities for SEEDS volunteers, for instance a day trip and excursions in the area.

Volunteers have to bring good working shoes and clothes, even though it is summer, it might still be cold and hats and gloves might be necessary.

Age: 18+