Outdoor Work Beneath 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 environmental tasks, such as tree-planting and tree-cutting helping with the upkeep and the restoration of some farm buildings, helping cutting the grass used to feed the animals during the long winter months. We may also help repair environmental damages after animals. Other possible tasks include turfing grass; cleaning tasks, such as clearing fields of rocks, fences and beautifying the area, like hand-picking garbage or collecting trash that has been blown by the wind. Those interested in farm activities, can help out taking care of the animals or carrots cultivation. Participants are invited to the stalls, and can assist in milking the cows if interested or just tending to them in general. The work can be demanding and requires a good physical condition but no previous experience is necessary. The working day normally runs from 09:00 - 17:00 with breaks for lunch and coffee; however, please be prepared for some flexibility due to the unforeseeable weather in Iceland. 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. Be prepared to experience all kinds of weather and be sure to bring warm and waterproof clothes as the tasks take place outside and it can be cold or rainy. Bring warm under-layers, waterproofs, walking shoes/boots, a good sleeping bag and gloves. Volunteers might be asked to do other related tasks and some flexibility is required depending on the advance of the different tasks, weather conditions and current needs.