Iceland Wilderness Management Programme

More details on the work involved

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 resurfacing the trails, placing way-markers and improving drainage. 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 the removal of invasive plant species and GPS trail mapping. ICV teams 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.

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.

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!

Feedback from Previous Volunteers

If you're interested to read more about ex-volunteers feedback on the Iceland Wilderness Management Programme, click here. We will be happy to provide you with further details if you want to get in touch with some of them.

How to get involved?

If you are interested in joining this project, you will need to fill out the online application form (you can also print it out and send it to us by post) – to secure a placement on the project, please complete and submit the form including two references and your deposit of £110. If for some reason, your application is declined, we would reimburse this deposit fully. However for those who are accepted, the full amount needs to be paid one month before departure. Once your place is confirmed on the programme, you will receive pre-departure information with all details on your project, Iceland, suggested items to bring etc.