Short-term (2 to 4 weeks) "environmental" projects in Iceland

This camp allows participants to learn about global and local environmental issues, through non-formal activities such as participation in discussion groups, workshops and presentations; as well as to contribute directly to environment protection by joining coastal, urban or green-spaces clean-up efforts. These clean-up efforts may be arranged in partnership with the above mentioned organisations or organised solely by SEEDS. We aim to also involve the local community, so some of our events may be open to the public. We hope participants will also learn how to plan and do their own trash-hunt projects back home. This project is based on similar activities around the world, where outstanding results have been made with volunteers. As a hands-on volunteering activity day, included also in this camp is one of the below options:A day trip combining a guided tour to the Hellisheioi Power Station, a trash hunt in the Blue Mountains area; and the Hot River hike, a hike up a valley filled with hot springs where one can bathe, orA day trip to the Reykjanes peninsula, combined with a coastal trash hunt in the area.We will try to visit the waste collection centre of SORPA, where a tour of the facilities and a lecture regarding waste management in Reykjavik will be provided. Some of the activities are dependent on conditions such as weather, human resources available, as well as availability from our partner organisations.This camp combines learning, sharing, hands-on work and having fun. No previous experience is needed. Participants should prepare and share about environmental issues from their countries and should be ready to spend time outdoors walking medium distances during the clean-ups, as during other activities and sightseeing. As part of the project is happening outdoors, 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 do some of the activities planned.

SEEDS participants will stay in a house in Reykjavik. The facilities are basic with a shower, washing machine, kitchen and everyone is expected to show consideration for their companions. We will sleep in shared rooms in a sleeping bag accommodation. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Volunteers will receive food supplies and will be in charge of the cooking and cleaning. Please note the food SEEDS provides will be vegetarian. Do not forget some traditional/typical food, drinks, recipes, music, games or movies from your country for the international 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.

Reykjavik is a dynamic, modern city which lives in harmony with beautiful nature, using renewable energy sources. The world s northernmost capital bridges the Atlantic, between Europe and North America. Reykjavik is spread across a peninsula with a panoramic view of the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean.Other excursions (eg. Golden Circle, South shore and/or Snaefellsnes) can be arranged at discount fares in case there is additional free time after the work or sessions of the camp.

Participation fee EUR 250 (Euros). Please note that the fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid for on arrival. The fee includes transportation from the meeting point to the camp (on the first day), the visits available and one trip combined with the trash collection activity.

18-90

Reykjavik

English

KEF: Keflavik Nas (Keflavik, Iceland)Vegetarian food will be available

In this camp SEEDS volunteers will work on diverse environmental outdoor tasks, including maintenance and development of walking paths and landscaping around the huts in the area. Volunteers will also help with the revegetation in some areas around, clearing litter on the walking paths, and assisting with general maintenance and preparations within the area before summer. As the landscape is raw, the work can be physically demanding and might require a good physical condition. No previous experience is needed. 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 -changeable- weather, we may not be able to perform some of the tasks or activities planned.Volunteers need to be prepared for working and walking in a wild landscape in one of the most isolated areas in Iceland. Be prepared to experience all kinds of weather and bring warm winter clothes as the tasks take place outside and it can get very cold in the highlands. Bring warm under-layers, waterproofs, walking shoes/boots, a good sleeping bag, hat scarves and gloves.

Volunteers will be hosted in a local mountain hut; sleeping in shared rooms on mattresses on the floor. Please bring your own sleeping bag. The facilities are very basic and volunteers are expected to show consideration for their companions. Volunteers will receive food ingredients and will be in charge of cooking and cleaning. Do not forget some traditional/typical food, drinks, music and recipes from your country for the international evening.

The Icelandic highlands, or the interior , are a true pearl to nature lovers and outdoor people. It is accessible on 4WD cars and most routes involve crossing rivers where there are no bridges. If you really want to get away from it all, the interior of Iceland is like nothing you have ever experienced. The mountainous centre of the island, with its rocky deserts, craggy mountain peaks, ice caps, volcanoes, hidden valleys and hot springs, is an awesome and untouched wilderness. The interior was almost totally inaccessible until recently. However outlaws managed to hide out for years at a time in the highlands, rustling sheep and keeping away from law-abiding citizens. Folklore stories tell of both natural and supernatural beings that lay in wait for unwary highland travellers. Travellers going between the north and south of Iceland sometimes had to cross the highlands. To get to the assembly of Alsingi (parliament) each summer, delegates had to ride from every corner of the country to Singvellir in the Southwest. Volunteers will be staying close to the glacier Hofsjokull and near to the rivers Hvita and Sjorsa. The mountains in the area that reach up to 1500 m were formed during a volcanic eruption in the later part of the ice age. The area is still dynamic and great geothermal activity takes place in the surroundings. The environment is very diverse, both in shape and colour. The mountains are weathered and have very little continuous growth, as the forces of nature, like glaciers, water flow, ice bursts etc. have been fast working in these mountain highlands.The location of the camp is remote and very isolated. Free time activities are mostly hiking and trekking in the area as there is no transportation available or possibility to organise transport to different sites. Volunteers need to be prepared for physical, demanding work. Weather is unpredictable and it can be very cold or rainy in the highlands.

We recommend to bring good walking shoes/boots, warm/winter and/or waterproof clothes (underlayers, overcoats, scarves, gloves and hats) as most of the tasks and activities take place outside.

18-99

-

English

KEF: Keflavik Nas (Keflavik, Iceland)Vegetarian food will be available

a) Revegetation and erosion control using organic materials, b) Removal of old fences and c) Monitoring the survival and growth of tree plantations of former years. These tasks will be performed at several different locations in the South-west of the country. The South-west is part of the volcanic belt of Iceland, with vast lava fields and erodible volcanic soils. Additionally, the area has suffered from overgrazing of sheep for a long time. Consequently the ecological condition is rather poor and some areas have completely lost their top soil. Materials like horse manure, garden waste and the likes are the best revegetation means available. The results of the efforts made so far can already be seen at a number of sites in the South-west of the country. Documentation is available and as can be seen, the role of SEEDS volunteers has been substantial.No previous experience is necessary but the work is demanding and might require a good physical condition; it can at times be repetitive and demanding but always rewarding. 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.Volunteers need to be prepared for working outdoors in sometimes isolated sites. Be prepared to experience all kinds of weather and bring warm winter clothes as the tasks take place outside and it can get rather cold. Bring warm under-layers, waterproofs, walking shoes/boots, a good sleeping bag, hat, scarves and gloves. Keep in mind, our earth is getting warmer because of an overload of CO2 in the atmosphere. Also, green plants remove carbon from the atmosphere and capture it in biomass and soil. Revegetation is one of the most effective ways to fight off climate change, especially in a land so heavily eroded as Iceland.

Volunteers will be lodged in a school building with basic facilities in one of Reykjavik s neighbouring towns. Volunteers will sleep on mattresses provided, please bring a sleeping bag. There is a shower in the school and volunteers will also have free access to the local geothermal swimming pool.Food ingredients will be provided and the group will be responsible for cooking and cleaning. Do not forget some traditional/typical food, drinks, music and recipes from your country for the international evening. Organic waste will be used for compost by the hosting organization.

The work takes place in the vicinity of Reykjavik on different locations. The main emphasis will be on erosion control in ten different sites in the South-west of Iceland, mostly in and around the Reykjanes peninsula, area marked by active volcanism under its surface with numerous hot and sulphur springs around the Kleifarvatn Lake and in the Krisuvik geothermal area. The Peninsula is famous for its wide network of hiking trails through colourful landscapes, amazing ocean cliffs, bird and whale watching sites and the Blue Lagoon. The camp happens around the summer solstice, when the sun hardly sets and the nights are almost as bright as the days. The bright nights are magical and staying awake enjoying the surroundings is a unique experience.

Participation fee is EUR 350 (Euros) which can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid for on arrival in either Euros or Icelandic kronas. The fee includes transportation from the meeting point to the camp on the first day, the Golden Circle and a full day-trip that will be decided according to weather conditions (either Snaefellsnes peninsula or the South Shore).Other excursions (like Reykjanes or Hot River hike) can be arranged at discount fares for SEEDS participants in case there is additional free time. Volunteers need to be prepared for physically demanding work. Bring warm and waterproof winter clothes as the project takes place outside and the weather can get very cold.

18-99

-

English

KEF: Keflavik Nas (Keflavik, Iceland)Vegetarian food will be available

This camp allows participants to learn about global and local environmental issues, through non-formal activities such as participation in discussion groups, workshops and presentations; as well as to contribute directly to environment protection by joining coastal, urban or green-spaces clean-up efforts. These clean-up efforts may be arranged in partnership with the above mentioned organisations or organised solely by SEEDS. We aim to also involve the local community, so some of our events may be open to the public. We hope participants will also learn how to plan and do their own trash-hunt projects back home. This project is based on similar activities around the world, where outstanding results have been made with volunteers. As a hands-on volunteering activity day, included also in this camp is one of the below options:A day trip combining a guided tour to the Hellisheioi Power Station, a trash hunt in the Blue Mountains area; and the Hot River hike, a hike up a valley filled with hot springs where one can bathe, orA day trip to the Reykjanes peninsula, combined with a coastal trash hunt in the area.We will try to visit the waste collection centre of SORPA, where a tour of the facilities and a lecture regarding waste management in Reykjavik will be provided. Some of the activities are dependent on conditions such as weather, human resources available, as well as availability from our partner organisations.This camp combines learning, sharing, hands-on work and having fun. No previous experience is needed. Participants should prepare and share about environmental issues from their countries and should be ready to spend time outdoors walking medium distances during the clean-ups, as during other activities and sightseeing. As part of the project is happening outdoors, 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 do some of the activities planned.

SEEDS participants will stay in a house in Reykjavik. The facilities are basic with a shower, washing machine, kitchen and everyone is expected to show consideration for their companions. We will sleep in shared rooms in a sleeping bag accommodation. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Volunteers will receive food supplies and will be in charge of the cooking and cleaning. Please note the food SEEDS provides will be vegetarian. Do not forget some traditional/typical food, drinks, recipes, music, games or movies from your country for the international 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.

Reykjavik is a dynamic, modern city which lives in harmony with beautiful nature, using renewable energy sources. The world s northernmost capital bridges the Atlantic, between Europe and North America. Reykjavik is spread across a peninsula with a panoramic view of the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean.Other excursions (eg. Golden Circle, South shore and/or Snaefellsnes) can be arranged at discount fares in case there is additional free time after the work or sessions of the camp.

Participation fee EUR 250 (Euros). Please note that the fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid for on arrival. The fee includes transportation from the meeting point to the camp (on the first day), the visits available and one trip combined with the trash collection activity.

18-90

Reykjavik

English

KEF: Keflavik Nas (Keflavik, Iceland)Vegetarian food will be available

In the Blue Mountains, the main tasks will be maintaining the slopes and preparing them for the next ski season. The city and a few sports associations run lodges and mountain huts there and they might also need some renovation jobs, such as painting and/or cleaning.The working plan is flexible and it will depend on the needs of our local hosts. No previous experience is necessary but the work is demanding 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 landscape is raw and volunteers need to be motivated to work outdoors and to experience isolated mountain areas. The camp happens around the summer solstice, when the sun hardly sets and the nights are almost as bright as the days. The bright nights are magical and staying awake and enjoying the beautiful surroundings is a unique experience. During the time of the camp participants will have the opportunity to experience the midnight sun as there are 24 hours of light even if the sun sets for shorts periods of time.

SEEDS volunteers will stay in one of the ski lodges in the mountains and sleep in a sleeping bag accommodation, sharing rooms. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Volunteers will receive food supplies and be in charge of the cooking and cleaning activities. Do not forget some traditional/typical food, drinks, music and recipes from your country for the international evening.

The skiing areas of Blafjoll and Skalafell are both about 30 minutes drive away from the city. Blafjoll is south-west of the city and Skalafell is located to the east of Reykjavik. Both areas have great slopes for downhill skiing and snowboarding as well as tracks for cross-country skiing. Blafjoll has 16 lifts and Skalafell has 4 lifts. The sports area in Skalafell is situated between the elevations of 380 and 700 m.The Blue Mountain range stretches to the west from the mountain Vifilsfell near the main road (1) from the capital area to the South-western lowlands. The highest mountain in the range reaches 600 m and in 1968 the district became a very popular skiing resort among Icelanders. The areas are excellent for recreation, not only for alpine and cross country skiing, but outdoor activities as well such as hiking and mountain biking. Nature lovers are certain to find something they like there, but it s important to be careful crossing the rugged lava fields because of the numerous caves underneath.The locations of the camp are remote and isolated, even though still close to the city. Free time activities in the surroundings are mostly hiking and trekking. Other excursions (Golden Circle, South Shore, Hot River hike or Snaefellsnes Peninsula) can be arranged at discount fares for SEEDS participants in case there is additional free time after work or during the weekends.

Volunteers shall be prepared for physical outdoors work and should bring good working shoes and clothes. In the mountains, the weather can change quickly and drastically. Even if it is summer, the weather can be cold or rainy. We recommend to bring good walking shoes/boots, warm and/or waterproof clothes (underlayers, overcoats, scarves, gloves and hats) as most of the tasks and activities take place outside. English will be the language in the camp; basic conversational skills are needed.

18-99

-

English

KEF: Keflavik Nas (Keflavik, Iceland)Vegetarian food will be available

This camp allows participants to learn about global and local environmental issues, through non-formal activities such as participation in discussion groups, workshops and presentations; as well as to contribute directly to environment protection by joining coastal, urban or green-spaces clean-up efforts. These clean-up efforts may be arranged in partnership with the above mentioned organisations or organised solely by SEEDS. We aim to also involve the local community, so some of our events may be open to the public. We hope participants will also learn how to plan and do their own trash-hunt projects back home. This project is based on similar activities around the world, where outstanding results have been made with volunteers. As a hands-on volunteering activity day, included also in this camp is one of the below options:A day trip combining a guided tour to the Hellisheioi Power Station, a trash hunt in the Blue Mountains area; and the Hot River hike, a hike up a valley filled with hot springs where one can bathe, orA day trip to the Reykjanes peninsula, combined with a coastal trash hunt in the area.We will try to visit the waste collection centre of SORPA, where a tour of the facilities and a lecture regarding waste management in Reykjavik will be provided. Some of the activities are dependent on conditions such as weather, human resources available, as well as availability from our partner organisations.This camp combines learning, sharing, hands-on work and having fun. No previous experience is needed. Participants should prepare and share about environmental issues from their countries and should be ready to spend time outdoors walking medium distances during the clean-ups, as during other activities and sightseeing. As part of the project is happening outdoors, 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 do some of the activities planned.

SEEDS participants will stay in a house in Reykjavik. The facilities are basic with a shower, washing machine, kitchen and everyone is expected to show consideration for their companions. We will sleep in shared rooms in a sleeping bag accommodation. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Volunteers will receive food supplies and will be in charge of the cooking and cleaning. Please note the food SEEDS provides will be vegetarian. Do not forget some traditional/typical food, drinks, recipes, music, games or movies from your country for the international 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.

Reykjavik is a dynamic, modern city which lives in harmony with beautiful nature, using renewable energy sources. The world s northernmost capital bridges the Atlantic, between Europe and North America. Reykjavik is spread across a peninsula with a panoramic view of the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean.Other excursions (eg. South Shore and/or Snaefellsnes) can be arranged at discount fares in case there is additional free time after the work or sessions of the camp.

Participation fee EUR 250 (Euros). Please note that the fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid for on arrival. The fee includes transportation from the meeting point to the camp (on the first day), the visits available and one trip combined with the trash collection activity.

18-90

Reykjavik

English

KEF: Keflavik Nas (Keflavik, Iceland)Vegetarian food will be available

No previous experience is necessary but the work is demanding and might require a good physical condition; it can at times be repetitive and demanding but always rewarding. 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.Volunteers need to be prepared for working outdoors in sometimes isolated sites. Be prepared to experience all kinds of weather and bring warm winter clothes as the tasks take place outside and it can get rather cold. Bring warm under-layers, waterproofs, walking shoes/boots, a good sleeping bag, hat, scarves and gloves. Keep in mind, our earth is getting warmer because of an overload of CO2 in the atmosphere. Also, green plants remove carbon from the atmosphere and capture it in biomass and soil. Revegetation is one of the most effective ways to fight off climate change, especially in a land so heavily eroded as Iceland.

Volunteers will be lodged in a school building with basic facilities in one of Reykjavik s neighbouring towns. Volunteers will sleep on mattresses provided, please bring a sleeping bag. There is a shower in the school and volunteers will also have free access to the local geothermal swimming pool.Food ingredients will be provided and the group will be responsible for cooking and cleaning. Do not forget some traditional/typical food, drinks, music and recipes from your country for the international evening. Organic waste will be used for compost by the hosting organization.

The work takes place in the vicinity of Reykjavik on different locations. The main emphasis will be on erosion control in ten different sites in the South-west of Iceland, mostly in and around the Reykjanes peninsula, area marked by active volcanism under its surface with numerous hot and sulphur springs around the Kleifarvatn Lake and in the Krisuvik geothermal area. The Peninsula is famous for its wide network of hiking trails through colourful landscapes, amazing ocean cliffs, bird and whale watching sites and the Blue Lagoon. The camp happens around the summer solstice, when the sun hardly sets and the nights are almost as bright as the days. The bright nights are magical and staying awake enjoying the surroundings is a unique experience. Other excursions (like Reykjanes or Hot River hike) can be arranged at discount fares for SEEDS participants in case there is additional free time. Volunteers need to be prepared for physically demanding work. Bring warm and waterproof winter clothes as the project takes place outside and the weather can get very cold.

Participation fee is EUR 350 (Euros) which can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid for on arrival in either Euros or Icelandic kronas. The fee includes transportation from the meeting point to the camp on the first day, the Golden Circle and a full day-trip that will be decided according to weather conditions (either Snaefellsnes peninsula or the South Shore).

18-90

-

English

KEF: Keflavik Nas (Keflavik, Iceland)Vegetarian food will be available

The volunteers will help:rebuilding an old rock wall and garden, collecting large stones and adding to the wall;cleaning caves and maintaining walking paths at Magnahellir and Dimmugljufur which is a beautiful canyon with hiking trails;clean the area around Laugavellir which is an impressive geothermal area with a natural pool;maintain different trails in one of the best hiking areas in Iceland. In this project SEEDS volunteers will be mostly doing construction, working with stones, repairing or marking off hiking trails and walking paths in the East of Iceland. Some of the trails and paths are located in an isolated area of mountains and fjords. The working area of Hjaroarhagi, Magnahellir and Laugavellir is within driving distance from Egilsstaoir which is the largest city/town in the East of the country. Well maintained paths enable people to visit these amazing areas without damaging them and this important work also helps to improve safety for visitors. Additional tasks may be cleaning or beautifying the area, like hand-picking garbage or collecting trash blown by the wind or brought by some visitors. The working day normally runs from 09:00 to 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; it can at times be repetitive but always rewarding. 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 working plan will depend on the needs of our local host, the advance of the diverse projects in the area and of course on the weather conditions. Volunteers need to be motivated to work outdoors on physical jobs and under changeable weather. Bring warm winter clothes, under-layers, waterproofs, walking shoes/boots, a good sleeping bag, hat, scarves and gloves.

SEEDS volunteers will be hosted in a local mountain hut in the municipality, away from the town. Volunteers will sleep on mattresses on the floor in shared rooms. 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. There is a shower and remember to bring a bathing suit or swim gear to bath in the natural hot spring. Do not forget some traditional/typical food, drinks, music and recipes from your home country for the international evening.

The project is in the municipality of Fljotsdalsherao, East of Iceland in a beautiful area surrounded by magnificent mountains, picturesque fjords and the sea. There are innumerable walking trails through the magnificent landscape of this area, whether over mountain passes, through valleys, or along the seashore. This 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.Our hosts will organise some free time activities and the group will get the opportunity to bathe in the natural hot springs at Laugarvalladalur.

TERMINAL and TRANSPORT: Closest international Airport: Keflavik/Reykjavik (KEF).SEEDS organises a minibus option , a shared transport from Reykjavik and back. Apart from being cheaper and more convenient, it allows participants to meet and have a relaxed trip, while stopping on the way for interesting sites. The SEEDS minibus will travel one way along the Northern part of the country and the other way along the South coast of Iceland. In this way we will travel the whole ring road and stop at magnificent natural sights, including waterfalls, glaciers, volcanic craters, hot springs, iceberg lagoons, black sand beaches, etc. Departure will be at 7:00 am of July 1 from SEEDS office. Return to Reykjavik in the late evening of July 15.EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: Participation fee EUR 350 (Euros). Please note that the fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid for on arrival. The participation fee does not include the transportation from Reykjavik to the camp and back but we estimate the costs about EUR 75 each way.

18-90

-

English

KEF: Keflavik Nas (Keflavik, Iceland)Vegetarian food will be available