Family Farm under the Glacier

: Our host for this project is a farmer’s family on the south shore of Iceland close to the town of Vík, the farmers cultivate carrots and keep cows. This is the seventh year that SEEDS volunteers will have the unique opportunity to get to know and explore this traditional Icelandic farm. There will be various tasks, depending on the weather, some cleaning tasks, for instance clearing fields of rocks, fences, trash, beautifying the area around and removing an invasive species called - Rumex Longifolius; which has been used in Iceland in order to control soil erosion and revegetate eroded areas; but in some places its spread is more than desirable and being a foreign specie endangers the native species. This weed can remain viable for a long time, is helpful for vegetative reproduction, and adaptable to different environments. It is primarily a weed of grassland, and in this habitat it benefits from agricultural practices which lead to disturbance or eutrophication. It reduces production from the field and lowers the feeding value of the grass to the animals. Those who are interested can help out with farm activities, such as taking care of the animals, cultivating potatoes and vegetables. Participants are invited to take a look at the cows in the stalls, assist in milking them if interested or just tending to them in general. The group will also be taking care of trees, cutting and planting them. The weather conditions in Iceland are unpredictable, especially during winter and in early April the average temperature is just above zero. Be prepred to experience all kinds of weather and be sure to bring warm clothing.