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Title | Iceland Wilderness Management Volunteer Project |
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Description |
Join our teams to restore and preserve the Þórsmörk Wilderness area in Iceland - a forested glacial valley in the south of Iceland, and one of the most beautiful areas in the country. You can join for 2 weeks up to 8 weeks from June to August each year. Individuals, groups, students all welcome. The ProjectThe Þórsmörk nature protection area is managed by Iceland’s Forestry Agency and international volunteers have played a very important part in the management of the areas hiking trails since 2006. Despite its remoteness, Þórsmörk is a very popular hiking area due to its spectacular landscape of birch forests and glaciers. This is a very special area in the south of the country and is ideally suited for those interested to work in a remote, wilderness setting. You will be working in teams of up to 5 volunteers with qualified and experienced team leaders carrying out a variety of wilderness management projects. Work will focus on the trail network around Básar and the Fimmvörðuháls mountain trail which is close to areas of fresh lava from the 2009 Eyjafjallajökull eruption. Trails in this area have suffered from severe erosion and this summer the project will include several new repair techniques that are currently being tested. The work is organised by Iceland’s Environment Agency (Umhverfisstofnun) in partnership with the country’s forestry service (Skógrækt ríkisins) who manage the area. Our work will include:
In upland areas in Þórsmörk, both stone and timber are used for trail repairs. These are gathered from close to the work sites and as they are moved by hand the work can be quite physically demanding. Well marked trails help to protect fragile areas from the affects of trampling by encouraging hikers to keep to the paths. Good trails also improve safety for visitors to the area. Other tasks may include:
Teams will work closely with local staff in the area and our teams now play a very important role in the practical management of the Þórsmörk area. No previous experience of this work is necessary as training will be provided by experienced leaders. 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 nature of Iceland’s changeable weather. Many of our worksites are in the mountains which can mean up to 2 hours walking each day. Please note that facilities in Þórsmörk are basic. All volunteers need to bring a sturdy tent and warm clothes (or you can rent a tent when you arrive). Work in recent years has also focused on the Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk trail where a variety of projects have been organised to help maintain the busy footpath. In most years the trail is in use from July to September although early in the season there is a possibility of snow in the area. Food, Lodging, Travel, WeatherFood and accommodation Transport Type of volunteers needed Health, weather, facilities
The gulf stream and the south-westerly winds from the Atlantic give Iceland a mild temperature. However, the unfortunate side is that this warm air creates condensation which in turn brings lots of rain! Summers in Iceland can be very erratic - be prepared for mostly rainy, damp conditions, with occasional sunny spells. In July, one fine day is the norm! But the next day can be worse with very strong wind driven rain and thick fog! Temperatures in the summer average about 10 degrees celsius, but remember that it will be mostly light whilst you are there due to the midnight sun phenomenon. If the sun does come out, the beauty is breathtaking! Additional details |