Support the conservation efforts of the Reykjavik Botanical Garden
Reykjavik September 4 - September 17, 2022
Volunteer project: The volunteer program with the Botanic Garden in Reykjavík is organized for the 12th year in a row. The Botanic Garden is an outdoor collection of living plants, founded in 1961 and it celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2021. The garden's main role is to conserve plants for education, research and delight. They conserve some 5000 plant species in eight plant collections. The collections give an idea of the enormous diversity of vegetation in the northern temperate zone. The garden is open to the public and free of charge.
The volunteers will be doing general park maintenance and assisting the horticultural staff tending the collection of perennials, alpine trees and shrubs in the garden. The garden organizes guided tours and events throughout the summer, and the volunteers may assist in their preparation. These special events are all related to the general aim and work of the garden and some of them are carried out at a short notice.
The work can be repetitive as general gardening tasks tend to be and most of it is outdoors. The work starts early every weekday; working hours are from 8:00am to 3:00pm, except on Fridays when work finishes at 12:00pm as part of an ongoing research into shortening the working week. Volunteers have to be motivated to start work early in the morning, but they will have more free time in the afternoon. No previous experience is necessary.
Language: English
Leisure time: Participants in this project will have a free pass to access one of the largest swimming pools in Iceland, situated within walking distance from the accommodation. Excursions (South Shore, Hot River hike, Snaefellsnes or Reykjanes Peninsula) can be arranged at discount fares.
Accommodation: The volunteers will stay in an equipped house, in a beautiful setting in the Botanical Gardens of Reykjavík, which are located about 4 km from the centre of the city. The facilities are basic with a kitchen, showers, and a washing machine. Everyone is expected to show consideration for their companions. Participants will sleep in shared rooms or dormitories. Please bring your own sleeping bag.
Location: Reykjavik is a dynamic, modern city which lives in harmony with beautiful nature, using renewable energy sources such as geothermal power. About two thirds of the population of Iceland live in Reykjavik including the metropolitan area, or over 200,000 people. The world’s northernmost capital bridges the Atlantic, between Europe and North America. Reykjavík is spread across a peninsula with a panoramic view of the mountains and the Atlantic. Visitors easily experience the pure energy at the heart of Iceland's capital, whether from the boiling thermal energy underground, the natural green energy within the city and around it, or the lively culture and fun-filled nightlife.
Terminal: Closest International Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF). Bus station: Central Reykjavík (BSÍ).
Age range: 20 and over
Extra fee: 300 Euro
The fee includes transportation from the meeting point to the project site (on the first day) and the Golden Circle excursion.
The extra fee is intended to support the local host of the project. It can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid in cash on arrival.