Island of Viðey (2:2)

WORK/PROJECT: SEEDS volunteers will have the opportunity to work in the historical island of Viðey for the 10th year in a row with our host, the city of Reykjavík.

The project offers diverse tasks and various experiences for SEEDS volunteers.Volunteers will work on environmental and nature related assignments, such as possibly harvesting vegetables and crops grown on the island.

Volunteers will also help with cleaning up in the area, especially along the coastline. Tools and furniture will need to be stored inside, and the common recreational areas need to be prepared for the autumn/winter season. There will also be a bit of constructional work since some fences need maintenance and volunteerswill do some paint jobs as well.

The weather conditions in Iceland are unpredictable so be prepared to experience all kinds of weather and be sure of bringing warm clothing as it can be cold, windy and rainy. Volunteers should have motivation to work outside and work in all different kinds of weather.

ACCOMMODATION: Volunteers will be lodged in a local house at Viðey Island, in a sleeping bag accommodation sharing rooms. Please bring your own sleeping bag.

The house has a well equipped kitchen. Volunteers will receive food supplies and be in charge of the cooking and cleaning activities.

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

LOCATION: Viðey or “Wood Island” is the largest (1,7 km²) island in the Kollafjorður Bay, just outside Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland. The island is covered by many species of plants and at least 30 species of breeding birds have been counted here.

Viðey was inhabited from soon after the settlement of Iceland already in the 10th century and at the beginning of the 20th century around 100 people lived there. Today the island is uninhabited.

There is a regular boat connection between the island and the harbour of Reykjavík. The island is only a few hundred metres away from the city and the trip takes just about 10 minutes.This makes Viðey so special; it is a peaceful place, very close to the busy city life of the capital.

There are hiking and cycling paths around the island and there is no motor traffic allowed. It also inhabits intriguing sculptural art work, amongst them all nine pairs of basalt pillars that comprise Richard’s Serra’s work Áfangar and Yoko Ono’s “Imagine peace” column, a tower of light, which is supported by the widow of John Lennon.

Other places of interest on Viðey are related to archaeological research, the village. At the eastern end of the island is the site of an abandoned fishing village and Viðeyjarnaust, at the southwest of the island, it is a memorial to the twenty men who lost their lives when the cutter Ingvar sank off Viðey in 1906. Dramatic formations of columnar basalt may be seen on the shore.

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).

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 krónas.

Some spare time activities will be organised free of charge for SEEDS volunteers such as a whale watching boat trip.

SEEDS volunteers will have free rides in the boat/ferry to the city of Reykjavík during their free time.

Excursions (Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon or South Shore) can be organised at discount fares for SEEDS volunteers.

18+