Iceland Volunteer Trail Teams
Location: Iceland: Skaftafell
Program Duration: 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: There will be 2 groups in 2012: May 30 - August 18 and June 6 - August 25
The Environment Agency of Iceland (Umhverfisstofnun)
Sudurlandsbraut 24, 108 Reykjavik, Iceland
Description
Group 1: 30th May - 18th August
Group 2: 6th June - 25th August
The ICV Trail Team programme is organised by the Environment Agency of Iceland (Umhverfisstofnun). Trail Teams work on a wide variety of trail construction projects and other conservation management tasks throughout the countrys national parks and nature reserves, often staying in camps within these areas. Volunteers work in small teams and travel between worksites to complete a series of practical projects. The programme runs for 11 weeks and the teams usually spend one or two weeks in each location. No previous experience of this work is necessary as all training will be provided; however, enthusiasm and team spirit are essential. Due to the strenuous nature of our work, participants must be physically fit. Applicants should have some experience of practical work, camping and hill walking. Applicants must be over 20 years of age.
Upland footpath repair work is a very important part of the management of Iceland's national parks and nature reserves. Trail repair work involves working with timber and stone and includes the construction of bridges, boardwalks, drains and steps. Other tasks include ground clearance, drainage work and a great deal of digging! The tools most relied upon are iron bars for rock moving and picks and shovels for ground work (machines are however used to make the work easier where possible). Other trail tasks include way-marking, survey work and sign installation.
An important role of the Trail Teams is to support the work of local rangers and in addition to trail work our teams are involved in all other aspects of practical management in the protected areas. Volunteer teams are involved in GPS mapping, data collection and the removal of invasive plant species. Although lupin (lupines nootkatensis) now grows throughout Iceland, efforts are now being made to control its spread in national parks and nature conservation areas. Alongside the actual plant removal itself, our teams collect data to help monitor the extent of the problem and the success of the removal operations. This project is being developed and managed in partnership with staff from the University of Iceland. ICV teams are now also taking a leading role in wilderness restoration work, transplanting moss in damaged highland areas within the nature reserves. Techniques are currently being developed to help restore areas that have been damaged by the impact from visitors.
Highlights
Our Trail Team volunteers work in some of the most amazing places in Iceland. The programme includes a lot of travelling as it is divided into one and two week projects in different Parks and reserves. This means that everyone gets to see a lot of the country. We have included a holiday week in the middle to give our volunteers a chance to travel independently.
The remote work sites and Iceland's notoriously changeable weather make the Trail Team programme both an adventure and a challenge.
Travel Types
- BackPacking Abroad
- Camping
- Hiking
- Overland Tours
- Trekking
- Volunteering
Qualifications
No previous experience of this work is necessary, as all training will be provided, however enthusiasm and team spirit are essential. Due to the strenuous nature of our work, participants must be physically fit. Applicants should have some experience of practical work, camping and hill walking.
Languages
- English
Cost in US$:
No participation fee.
Cost Includes:
Cost Include Description:
Trail Team volunteers pay their own travel costs to Iceland, but from their arrival at the meeting point in Skaftafell (Vatnajökull National Park)and during the programme, food, transport and accommodation (often camping) are provided. Participants bring their own tents. Participants cover their own costs during the holiday week.
Credit Available
no
Volunteer Types
- conservation
- environment
- renovation
- trail building
Age Range
20+This Program is open to
Worldwide Participant.
Typical Living Arrangements
- Group living
Participants Travel to Iceland
Independently
Application Process Involves
- Phone/Video Interview
- Written Application
Typically The Application Process Time is
3 weeksThe Environment Agency of Iceland (Umhverfisstofnun)'s Mission Statement
The Environment Agency operates under the direction of the Ministry for the Environment. It's role is to promote the protection as well as sustainable use of Iceland's natural resources, as well as public welfare by helping to ensure a healthy environment, and safe consumer goods.
