Supporting local forestry in Iceland


Supporting local forestry in Iceland

Skógræktarfélag Íslands

Selfoss, Iceland

The application deadline has passed.

Activity 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 (open to anyone), and protecting the forest remains of Iceland. IFA will host 5 EVS volunteers for 5 months, from 1st of May until 30th of September. The project composes of various outdoor activities, including: planting (most significant), path making/maintenance, basic wood/stone construction and light thinning. The team will be led by a forestry educated supervisor who will work with and instruct the group in their work. The main location of the project is in and around the farm of Úlfljótsvatn, which is the headquarters and home of the volunteers during their stay. Additionally, the group will travel to different sites around country were the volunteers will assist small forestry associations with their recreational forests. Applicants should consider that the tasks will be physically demanding and the weather conditions can be challenging.

Gisting, fæði og ferðatilhögun

The volunteers´ base camp is situated in Úlfljótsvatn. Participants should be aware that the base camp is located in the countryside and not in a city. The accommodation is rustic farm house with all modern utilities. The Úlfljótsvatn farm is about a 20 min drive from the village of Selfoss were all necessary service is located and food is purchased. The National park of “Þingvellir” is close by and the famous "Golden circle" (including geysers, waterfall and beautiful nature area). The volunteer team will have a car specifically devoted to them.

Training during the activity

Participants will be trained to conduct the different tasks during the hosting period, including planting technique and theory, security on work location, use of forestry equipment, path making and construction.

Participant profile

Participants should first of all be interested in nature and physical outdoor work, knowledge and experience can be beneficial but far from necessary. Communication skills (working language is English) and a positive mind-set are vital, since the tasks are performed in a group. However, everyone is considered and strong motivation and passion is the biggest quality. This project can include young people with fewer opportunities, but there is no adapted frame for physically and mentally disabled people. Once training completes participants need to be able to work and live independently.

Activity dates

[tala] vika(-ur) alls á tímabilinu 01/05/2020 til 30/09/2020


Activity location

Úlfljótsvatn, 805 Selfoss Iceland


Looking for participants from

Austria, Czech Republic, Spain, Italy, Poland


Activity topics

Umhverfis- og náttúruvernd


Deadline for applications

Umsóknarfresti: 06/02/2020