Work and fun in the East fjord

WORK/PROJECT: In this project SEEDS volunteers will do various outdoor tasks such as marking and maintaining walking paths, putting up information signs, setting up fences, collecting and chopping driftwood, laying fishing nets for salmon and trout, planting vegetables and bushes, and other possible tasks related to maintaining and beautifying the area, as well as farming and working with horses.

Our host for this project is a family that runs a non-traditional farm with horses, as well as other animals such as sheep, cows, and birds. The family lives and work in the remote area, in the very far east of Iceland, offering services to travellers including horse riding in the area.

In 2008, our hosts was awarded a special award by the Soil Conservation Service of Iceland for their work towards land improvements including the prevention of land erosion by sowing specialised grasses in the area of Héraðsflói, and the production of an education programme for school children.

Volunteers should have a motivation for working outdoors and getting to know ways of living in rural areas in Iceland;opportunity to get to know the Icelandic horse andthe Icelandic farm life.

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 stay in shared rooms in a sleeping bag accommodation with access to a kitchen and a bathroom. Other guests or travellers might be in the house at the same time as it is a guesthouse accommodation. Please bring your own sleeping bag.

The group will be responsible for cooking and cleaning activities and please do not forget some traditional food from your home country for the international evening.

LOCATION: The work camp will take place in the area of Borgarfjörður Eystri, in the East fjords. This area is by some called a hiking haven, with a good number of marked trails. Mountains in the area are very beautiful with peaks such as Dyrfjöll, Staðarfjall, Geitfell and Svartfell.

The project is locatedoff the beaten tourist track, 60 Km north of Egilsstaðir between the two glacial rivers, Jökulsá á Brú and the Lagarfljót. The area offers endless opportunities for excursions to discover Iceland’s untouched naturewith 30 different species of birds and lush vegetation. 

Large numbers of seals travel quite some distance inland where they rest on the riverbanks and sandbanks.  In springtime and autumn wild reindeers come close to the farm. The location gives an opportunity to enjoy almost complete peace and quiet to absorb land and nature.

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

TERMINAL: Closest International Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík(KEF). Domestic airport: Egilsstaðir (EGS).

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 180(Euros). Please note that these fees are to be paid to SEEDS on arrival in either Euros or Icelandic kronas.

SEEDS volunteers will have the opportunity to try horseback riding, and also possibly fishing in the river and visiting a puffin colony, depending on weather conditions and availability of the host.

Please bring warm clothes as the weather in Iceland can be quite unpredictable and it may be chilly even during the summer time.

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