SEEDS 045. Snæfellsnes - Nature & Outdoors

CODE: SEEDS 045

Work:

his project is located on the beautiful Snæfellsnes Peninsula, we will be based in the town of Grundarfjörður, working on diverse tasks related to nature, environment and outdoor recreation.
The main tasks of the project will be environmentally related, such as planting trees and other vegetation; maintenance or infrastructure tasks such as creating and fixing walking paths in the recreational areas of the town and social tasks as: painting and fixing fences and play structures for the local school or kindergarten.
The tree-planting project is very important for biodiversity and to provide shelter from the wind; while the well maintained paths enable people to visit these amazing areas without damaging the surroundings and in addition SEEDS volunteers’ work helps to improve safety for visitors. The group can be split up for different projects, but it will never be less than two working together.
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 and might require a good physical condition. As it is outdoors work, volunteers shall be ready to adapt and be flexible, as depending on the weather, the work plan might change with short notice or the group may not be able to perform some of the tasks or activities planned.
Volunteers need to be prepared for working outdoors, be prepared to experience all kinds of weather and bring warm winter clothes as the tasks take place outside and it could get rather cold even in summer. Bring warm under-layers, waterproofs, walking shoes/boots, a good sleeping bag, hat, scarves and gloves.

Accomodation and food

SEEDS volunteers will live and sleep in the facilities of the local elementary school in shared rooms. The facilities are basic with an equipped kitchen and bathrooms in the school, while the showers will be at the local swimming pool. Please bring your own sleeping bag, swim gear and towel.
Volunteers will receive food supplies and will be in charge of cooking and cleaning. Please note the food SEEDS provides will be vegetarian. Do not forget to bring some traditional/typical food, drinks, recipes, music, games or movies from your country for the intercultural evening. Please 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 Snæfellsnes Peninsula is a region in Western Iceland, located between Reykjavík and the Westfjords. The area is a popular destination amongst tourists and locals alike.
The Peninsula is known for incredibly beautiful and dramatic landscapes, and a common knowledge amongst Icelanders is that the area is the only part of Iceland where you can see all of the unique natural elements in one place. In other words, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula has everything to offer, from untouched lava fields, tall volcanoes, mystical glaciers and black beaches to white beaches, a National Park and hazardous cliffs along the coastline.
Free time activities in the area include hikes or walks in the surroundings.

Project hosted by

This camp is part of SEEDS' ongoing efforts to raise awareness, promote engagement in environmental issues and to support sustainability, organic and permaculture farming, social inclusion, education and hands-on actions in the field. Volunteers will gain insights into local and global challenges through non-formal educational activities such as hands-on work, visits, discussions, and workshops.
SEEDS volunteers have the opportunity to participate in different projects in collaboration with Landvernd (the Icelandic Environmental Organization), the EcoVillage at Sólheimar, the Icelandic Ministry for Environment and Natural Resources, Umhverfisstofnun (the Icelandic Environmental Agency) and Blái Herinn (the Blue Army).
SEEDS volunteers will take on a variety of activities, depending on weather conditions and the needs of our partners including working in the forestry section and vegetable greenhouses in the EcoVillage, as well as participating in a nationwide project to raise awareness of ocean pollution, plastic waste, and engage the group in hands-on cleanup efforts in the area, allowing volunteers to make a direct impact!

Directions to meeting point

Meeting time will be 9:00 am on July 14 at SEEDS Office. We will return to Reykjavík in the late evening of July 25.

Additional comments

Participation fee EUR 350 (Euros). The fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid in cash on arrival. It includes accommodation and food. The fee does not include the transportation from Reykjavík to the camp and back, which costs EUR 50 one way or EUR 100 for both ways.