📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
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💼 What the programme involves
This is a unique, demanding and rewarding opportunity for volunteers to gain new skills and ecological perspectives through working and living closely to the land. This project is organised with our hosts located in the Westfjords of Iceland, working in the municipality of Vesturbyggo and in the area of Latrabjarg: The cliffs of all cliffs , which is the westernmost point of Iceland.The main project activity is restoration of cairns in an area in the south of the Icelandic Westfjords, the westernmost part of Europe. Cairns are piles of carefully constructed rock that have historically been used to help people find their way in difficult weather conditions on mountainous walking routes. The cairns to be restored are situated in high and harsh land. A trained wilderness guide and another leader will be working with the group to ensure quality of craftsmanship and to ensure everyone s safety.
🏠 Accommodation on site
SEEDS volunteers will predominantly be camping near Latrabjarg in the Westfjords. Other wild camping sites may also be used, meaning you may be away from modern amenities for a number of days. Food will be supplied and volunteers will help cook and clean in camp. Do not forget some traditional/typical food or drinks from your home country for an international evening. Tents will be provided.
📍 About the location
The project is situated in the Westfjords, which is a distinct region that very few travellers to Iceland visit. The landscape is a mixture of sea-cliffs, huge beaches, many rivers, vegetated valleys, snowy/rocky mountains and moss-covered hill sides. The Camping site is situated in remote locations. The nature in the area is untouched and almost uninhabited. The cliffs and valleys are packed with birds, the uninhabited fjords offer a moment of silence and tranquillity, and the Arctic fox proudly roams the mountains and inlets. The waterfalls are high and the streams pure. Latrabjarg, is a promontory and it is the westernmost point in Iceland (and Europe if Greenland and the Azores are not counted). The lines of cliffs are home to millions of birds, including puffins, northern gannets, guillemots and razorbills. It is vital for their survival as it hosts up to 40 of the world population for some species e.g. the Razorbill. It is Europe s largest bird cliff, 14km long and up to 440m high.Free time activities are mostly hiking and trekking in the area as there is no transportation available. There is also a programme of group activities volunteers will be offered.
⚠️ Requirements
English will be the official language in the camp and a good conversational level is required.Participation fee EUR 350 (Euros). Please note that these fees are to be paid to SEEDS on arrival in either Euros or Icelandic kronas.Volunteers need to be prepared for physical demanding work, working and camping in a wild landscape and sometimes cold weather. Bring warm winter clothes as the project takes place outside and it can get very cold. Please bring warm under-layers, waterproofs, walking boots, a good sleeping bag, sleeping mat and gloves.There is an application process for those wishing to join. To apply, please submit CV/Resume and motivation letter, stating your relevant experience and reasons for wanting to join. Age: 18
ℹ️ Additional information
Participation fee EUR 350 (Euros). Please note that these fees are to be paid to SEEDS on arrival in either Euros or Icelandic kronas. The fee includes the transportation from Reykjavik to the camp and back (on the first and last day).