SEEDS 063. FORESTRY IN THE WEST OF ICELAND

CODE: SEEDS 063.

Work:

The main tasks at hand are related to forestry, to maintaining and repairing footpaths within the forest. SEEDS volunteers will perform four different types of tasks depending on the project and host needs each time.Well maintained paths enable people to visit these amazing areas without damaging them and this important work also helps to improve safety for visitors. Most of the work is done by hand with wheelbarrows and hand tools. Additional tasks may be cleaning or beautifying the area, like hand-picking garbage or collecting trash blown by the wind in the area and its surroundings. The working day normally runs from 09:00 - 17:00, with breaks for lunch and coffee. No previous experience is necessary but the work is demanding, it can be repetitive and requires a good physical condition. As it is outdoors work, volunteers shall be ready to adapt and be flexible with the working and free-time schedule, as depending on the weather, we may not be able to perform some of the tasks or activities planned. The plan will depend on the needs of the host, the advance of the diverse projects and of course on the weather conditions. Volunteers need to be motivated to work outdoors on physical jobs and under changeable weather. Weather is unpredictable and it can be cold and/or rainy, be prepared to experience all kinds of weather.

Accomodation and food

SEEDS volunteers will sleep in beds in a house belonging to the Icelandic Forest Service. The facilities are basic with an equipped kitchen, dining and living room, bathroom, showers and a washing machine. Participants sleep in shared rooms with up to 4 people so everyone is expected to behave considerately. Please bring your own towel and sleeping bag. There is no WiFi Internet in the house. Volunteers will receive food supplies and be in charge of the cooking and cleaning activities. Note the food SEEDS provides will be vegetarian. Do not forget to bring some traditional/typical food, drinks, recipes, music or games from your country for the intercultural evening. Be aware some items or ingredients may be expensive in Iceland and you will need to buy them yourselves or bring them from your country.

Location and leisure

The work takes place in the forest StEUlpastaE(askEgur which is located about 25 km from Borgarnes and about 3 km from BifrEst. In the area there are many interesting places to visit, the waterfalls Glanni and Barnafossar, hiking trails and HE safell, a summer house area with a camp site, hot springs, glacier viewWest Iceland is famous for its Sagas, most of the Icelandic Sagas were written in West Iceland. Egils Saga, Sturlunga saga and LaxdEla are all stories of farmers, vikings and outlaws in year 850-1000. In West Iceland you will also have a lot of stories of elves and trolls and folk tales. The area is very charming with a lot of historyThis work camp takes place in a very remote place, located in a natural area of extreme beauty. Outdoor free-time activities, for instance hikes or walks in the surroundings, will be arranged for SEEDS volunteers.We recommend bringing warm winter and waterproof clothes, good walking shs/boots, underlayers, overcoats, scarves, gloves and hats, the tasks and activities take place outside. Please bring a sleeping bag.

Project hosted by

SEEDS volunteers will be working on a project in the beautiful forest StEUlpastaE(askEgur in the South-west of Iceland, doing nature and environmental oriented tasks. SEEDS has been cooperating with the Icelandic forest service for more than 15 years with very good results for the volunteers, the host and the Icelandic nature conservation and reforestation efforts. The main tasks of the SEEDS volunteers will be: Clearing a recently thinned area of branches, the branches will be wood-chipped on site; preparing the area for the creation of a future recreational path; restoring an old, forgotten path through an arboretum, including step construction, bridge building, installation of picnic tables; and manual work using mattocks, sledgehammers, and other tools

Directions to meeting point

From the airport there are bus services to the city, either the Flybus or the bus number 55. The meeting point will be at the SEEDS office at Grettisgata 3a. SEEDS offers the minibus option, a shared transport from ReykjavEk to the camp and back. Apart from being cheaper and convenient, it allows participants to meet and have a relaxed trip. Departure will be at 13:00 (1:00 pm) on August 30 from the SEEDS office. Return to ReykjavEk in the evening of September 13. The minibus to this camp will cost EUR 45 each way, about 20 cheaper than public transport.

Additional comments

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