Growing Gardens in Reykjavík (6:6)

WORK/PROJECT: The volunteers will work in a gardening station run by the municipality of Reykjavík. The station takes care of growing flowers and edible plants, trees for the city’s green areas and the educational school gardens of Reykjavík. The station aims at maintaining Icelandic species and to increase those who have adapted well to the Icelandic climate. The station also tries to experiment with new species to increase variety and quality of plants that are grown in the gardens and recreational areas of the city.

SEEDS volunteers will be doing general garden work in the station, attending the flowers, trees and other plants and clearing out weed. Part of the work may take place in green houses. The work can be repetitive as general gardening tasks tend to be. The project starts early every week day, working hours are from 8:00 - 15:30, so volunteers have to be motivated to work early in the morning, but they will have more free time in the afternoon.

ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS volunteers will stay in an equipped house that is situated in the middle of the gardening station about 4 kilometres from the city centre. The house is used as the offices and facilities of the staff of the gardening station. It is equipped with a kitchen, dining area, shower and washing machine.

Volunteers will be sleeping on mattresses in a shared sleeping bag accommodation. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Volunteers will receive food supplies and be in charge of the cooking and cleaning.

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

LOCATION: The population of Iceland’s capital Reykjavik is over 200,000 including the metropolitan area, so two thirds of Iceland’s inhabitants live here. It is a dynamic, modern city which lives in harmony with beautiful nature, using renewable energy sources - geothermal power and glacial rivers.

The world’s northernmost capital bridges the Atlantic, between Europe and North America. Reykjavík is spread across a peninsula with a panoramic view of the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean on almost all sides.

Visitors to Reykjavík experience easily the pure energy at the heart of Iceland's capital city -whether from the boiling thermal energy underground, the natural green energy within the city and around it, or the lively culture and fun-filled nightlife.

The location of the camp is close to the geo-thermal beach Nauthólsvík, as well as the protected natural area of Elliðaárdalur which has wild berries, salmon fishing, semi-wild rabbits and a waterfall all within the city limits.

In the area closer than 100 Km from Reykjavík, there are several spectacular waterfalls, geysers, impressive coastline and the well-known geothermal Blue Lagoon spa to visit.

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

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

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: Participation fee is EUR 220 (Euros). Please note that these fees are to be paid to SEEDS on arrival in either Euros or Icelandic krónas.

Volunteers in this camp will have a free pass to one of the largest swimming pools in Iceland, situated some 3km from the camp.

Excursions (Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle, South shore, etc) can be arranged at discount fares.

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

Age: 20+