Supporting local forestry in Iceland
Skógræktarfélag Íslands
Úlfljótsvatn, Iceland
Description
The goal of the IFA and the other forestry associations in Iceland is to restore Iceland´s lost forest cover, provide green recreational areas, and protect the forest remains of Iceland. IFA will host 5 ESC volunteers for 6 months, from May to October. Under the supervision of a forestry educated supervisor and the manager of the project, the team will conduct a variety of tasks such as tree planting and fertilizing, thinning and debranching older forests, and building and maintaining infrastructures such as paths and bridges. Most of the work takes place in the countryside in the south of Iceland but occasionally, the participants will travel to other places and work with the local forestry associations for a week or two. The tasks will be physically demanding and the weather conditions can be challenging, but the work will be rewarding and the volunteers will get to experience the beauty of the Icelandic nature at its fullest, while meeting new people and discovering a new culture.
Accommodation, food and transport arrangements
The program's base camp is situated in Úlfljótsvatn, in the Golden Circle area, which it is located in the countryside and not in a city. The accommodation is rustic farm house with all modern utilities. The farm is about a 20 min drive from the town Selfoss were all necessities are located. Participants get a card to buy food and cook themselves. There will be a car on-site that can be used. The base camp is immediately located next to a scout center where they will meet other international and Icelandic volunteers. Úlfljótsvatn is a beautiful area with lots of outdoor opportunities.
Training during the activity
The pre-departure training will be organized by the sending organizations of the participants' home countries to prepare them before the beginning of the program. The Icelandic national agency will organized the on-arrival training. Both are required by the ESC and mandatory. On site, participants will be trained to conduct different tasks such as tree planting techniques and theory, use of forestry equipment, path making and construction of wood and stone, but also safety on work location to ensure a fun but safe working environment.
Participant profile
The participants must be able to stay in the program the whole time. Requirements are: Good physical shape - Experience in outdoor work - Being able to work in all kinds of weather - Good English proficiency - Having a driving license and experience driving a manual car are appreciated - Knowledge of natural sciences is a plus In addition, being able to work with other people is essential which is why the participants must: Have good social skills - Have a positive mindset - Show flexibility and adaptability - Be able to work in a team. Everyone is considered and strong motivation and passion is the biggest quality. People with fewer opportunities are encouraged to apply. However there is no adapted frame for physically and mentally disabled people.
Activity dates
From 01/05/2025 to 31/10/2025
Activity location
Úlfljótsvatn, Iceland
Activity type
Individual volunteering
Looking for participants from
Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Spain
Activity topics
Environment and natural protection
Deadline for applications
Application deadline: 13/04/2025 23:59