Land of fjords and majestic mountains in the East

WORK/PROJECT: In this project SEEDS volunteers will be doing environmental tasks in the municipality of Fjarðabyggð, supporting the environmental department of the district.

The municipality was formed in 1998 with the union of the former municipalities of Eskifjörður, Neskaupstaður and Reyðarfjörður. Austurbyggð, Fáskrúðsfjarðarhreppur and Mjóafjarðarhreppur, merged into Fjarðabyggð in 2006.

The project will take place in the Hólmanes nature reserve, part of Hólmháls peninsula, designated as a protected area in 1973, it is a country park to the north and a nature reserve to the south. The flourishing bird life and unusual rock formations make the area popular for outdoor recreation.

The main duties will be connected to reconstruction tasks in the surroundings of Hólmanes. SEEDS volunteers will for example mark hiking trails on the north area of Hólmaháls, from existing viewing points and resting places to a path leading into the reserve to old ancient ruins.

Additional tasks may be connected to removing and stopping the spread of lupine from and around the protected areas. The lupine plant (originally from Alaska) is/was used to control soil erosion and re-vegetate eroded areas. In some parts of Iceland, lupine has spread to a greater extent than desired, endangering native plant species; so it must be removed from certain areas.

The project can be physically demanding and might require a good physical condition. 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 activities will take place outdoors.

ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS volunteers will be hosted in a house in the municipality of Fjarðarbyggð. Volunteers will sleep on mattresses on the floor. 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. Volunteers will have access to showers in the local swimming pool.

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

LOCATION: The project takes place in the municipality of Fjarðabyggð, East of Iceland in a beautiful area surrounded by mountains, fjords and the sea. The East Fjords are, geologically speaking, one of the oldest parts of Iceland, around 13,5 million years old.

Fjarðabyggð is comprised of six fjords, Mjóifjörður, Eskifjörður, Reyðarfjörður, Norðfjörður, Fáskrúðsfjörður and Stöðvafjörður. The name of the municipality, which is the most easterly one in Iceland, has a strong fjord connection, meaning the people/or the settlement of the fjords. Of the municipality's six villages the most populous one, is Neskaupstaður, with about 1,400 residents.

Magnificent mountains and picturesque fjords are just part of what Fjarðabyggð has to offer. The attractions are a combination of landscape, history and easy going attitude towards life. Fjarðabyggð has two officially protected areas; one was the first to be protected in Iceland. This park extends to the base of Mt. Nípa sea promontory and has been protected since 1972. Hólmanes, the other park, is located on the peninsula between Eskifjörður and Reyðarfjörður.

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

Our host will organise free time activities for SEEDS volunteers, short excursions and hikes in the area.

AGE: 18+