Iceland Volunteer Trail Teams

  Iceland

• Other Cities in Iceland: 
Skaftafell

Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: May 22 - August 7, June 12 - August 28 and June 19 - September 4

Description: Our Volunteer Trail Teams work on a variety of footpath construction tasks and practical nature conservation projects throughout the country's national parks and nature reserves, often staying in camps in these areas. Volunteers work in small teams and travel between the country's national parks and nature protection areas to complete a series of practical projects.

The programme runs for 11 weeks and there are three project start dates.

Teams are usually made up of 5 volunteers including a trained team leader. Responsibilities for planning and organising the work as well as domestic duties are shared between the group. Our Trail Teams are often joined on the work sites by other international volunteers, local volunteers and local staff.

Upland footpath repair work is a very important part of the management of Iceland's national parks and nature reserves. Trail repair tasks involve a lot of stonework and much of this work centers on moving and positioning rocks to construct drains and steps. Other tasks include ground clearance, drainage work and a great deal of digging! The tools that we rely on are mainly iron bars for rock moving and picks and shovels for ground work (machines are however used to make the work easier where possible). The Trail Teams are involved in all aspects of footpath work in the protected areas including bridge and boardwalk construction, way-marking and survey work. In addition to trail work, other tasks include work on heritage sites, removing invasive plant species and working alongside local rangers and staff in the protected areas.

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.

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.

Cost in US$: No participation fee

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 20+

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Iceland Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 5-10

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Written Application