Canyon Trails and Bubbling Mud

  Iceland

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Please Contact us for more information.

Description: Now one of the coolest holiday destinations in Europe, Iceland is receiving ever increasing numbers of visitors. With growing numbers comes increasing pressure on the fragile ecology of the country's protected areas. BTCV volunteers working with local staff play a very important role in the conservation of these areas.

Living and working in the heart of Iceland's stunning National Parks you'll amaze yourself with your own achievements. The ultimate adventurous conservation experience.

Who we're working with

Iceland Conservation Holidays are run in partnership with the Icelandic Environment Agency , Umhverfistofnun (UST). The Agency operates under the Ministry of Environment and one of their key responsibilities is the management and protection of the countrys national parks and conservation areas. Iceland Conservation Holidays are managed by USTs own team of local staff and international volunteer leaders.

For 30 years, BTCV volunteers have played an important role in this work. Volunteer teams work closely with local staff on a variety of practical management tasks, focussing on trail building and wilderness management projects. We stay in tents and live and work in these amazing areas throughout the summer months. The countrys harsh natural environment and unpredictable weather make BTCVs projects in Iceland both an adventure and a challenge.

Where we're working

These holidays are be based in Jökulsárglúfur in the north east of the country. The area became a national park in 1973 to protect the amazing Jökulsá canyon and the land surrounding it. It is an area of contrasting landscapes with spectacular waterfalls, native birch forests and dramatic "desert" landscapes. The area has been included in the new Vatnajökull National Park, which has recently been established and is the largest National Park in Europe.

What we'll be doing

This summer our work is focused on sections of hiking trails in the Park that have been damaged by erosion. Practical tasks may include constructing stone steps and drains and adding gravel or woodchip surfacing. Other work includes replanting vegetation in areas alongside sections of the paths that have been repaired. No previous experience of this work is necessary as training will be provided by experienced leaders. The working day normally runs from 09:00 to 17:00 with breaks for lunch and coffee. However, please be prepared for some flexibility due to the nature of Icelands changeable weather.

Benefits of our work

Now one of the coolest holiday destinations in Europe, Iceland is receiving ever increasing numbers of visitors. As tourism grow, the pressure on Icelands fragile natural ecology increases. The challenge is to protect both vegetation and geological formations from damage and this is done through the construction and maintenance of hiking trail networks. Well maintained paths enable people to visit these amazing areas without damaging them and this important work also helps to improve safety for visitors.

Where we'll be staying

We will be staying at the main campsite within the canyon at Ásbyrgi. Our facilities include mess tents which are used to prepare meals and during the evenings. The campsite has hot showers, a washing machine and there is a small food shop nearby.

Accommodation is in sturdy tents. You'll need to bring your own or you can hire one in advance through BTCV for £30.

Highlights: Throughout the project there will be plenty of opportunities to explore this amazing area with its canyons and waterfalls. At the end of the holiday we will travel to Mývatn and stay at a lakeside campsite. As well as the lake itself, famous for its abundant bird life, there will be a chance to visit the nearby bubbling mud pools and swim in the geothermal pool at the Mývatn Nature Baths. Although not included in the price it is also possible to go Whale Watching from Húsavík (2800 ISK) and also visit the Whale Museum (500 ISK, prices may vary).

Qualifications: You must be over 18. Previous experience not necessary. Strenuous: Volunteers should be physically fit and prepared to work in all weather.

Cost in US$: Approx $720 (350 GBP)

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18-80

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to Iceland Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Other

BTCV's Mission Statement: BTCV is the UK's largest practical conservation organization. It is a charity which involves over 130,000 people every year in projects to bring about positive environmental change. When BTCV was first established, over 40 years ago, most projects took place in the countryside and on nature reserves. The emphasis was on nature reserves. The emphasis was on improving rural landscapes and protecting habitats for wildlife. However it is not just; Countryside Landscape Wildlife But also Providing opportunities to volunteer Improving towns and cities Building communities Developing skills Helping people into work BTCV's remit has broadened considerably over the last four decades. We have evolved to meet the needs of an ever changing world. As far as conservation work is concerned, BTCV now offers volunteering opportunities in urban as well as rural locations, thus improving our towns and cities as well as the countryside. But beyond this, we also; give support to local groups train people in conservation and life skills run schemes - and take part in government initiatives - to help people secure employment.

Year Founded: 1959