Earth Restoration Project

Ecosystem: Tundra, Glacier

Significance: Skaftafell National Park is an oasis wedged between sand and glacier. Its unique natural beauty is a result of favourable weather conditions and the interplay of fire and ice. Beneath the Vatnajökull ice cap the hot energy of one of the world's most extensive geothermal sites clashes with the cold power of Europe's largest glacier. The history of fire and ice in the region and the way in which the powerful forces of nature have struggled to form the National Park is told in the Skaftafellsstofa Visitor Centre along with the story of the culture which has thrived in the shadow of the glacier and the lives of people surviving in an area ruled by fire and flood. 

Description: Flora and Fauna The flora and fauna in Skaftafell are varied, owing to the diversity of local conditions between the coast and the glacier. Semi-barren glacial sediment, forested slopes and the Skaftafell heath above, first rather dry, with hillocks and stretches of gravel, but then moist soil covered with tealeaved willow and woolly willow toward the upper reaches. In between is a stretch of wetland featuring various species of starling, cotton grass and other marshland plants. About 220 species of flowering plants and ferns grow wild in Skaftafell. The birdlife in the National Park is varied, with more than 30 species of birds nesting in the area as there are many types of nesting ground: sandy plains, gravel beds, tussocks, marshes and woods. The great skua is the prevailing bird of the sandy plains, ptarmigan are common in heaths and tussocks grown with heather and shrubbery. Ducks and red-throated divers dwell by lakes, snipes in marshland, and falcons and ravens inhabit crags and cliffs. Redwings and redpolls live in the woods, along with wrens often seen near brooks. Lupin is an invasive plant alien in the Icelandic Ecosystem. One of the main objectives of founding national parks is to ensure that nature develops in accordance with its own laws. In a national park where it may be necessary to counter the process of erosion, species native to the area should be used to restore vegetation. In Skaftafell, lupin seeds were sown in barren areas in the Bæjarstaður forest in order to stop erosion. After Skaftafell was designated as a national park and protected from the grazing of sheep, the lupin began to infiltrate other plant communities and spread quickly. In the period 1982-1988 the lupin-covered area in Skaftafell increased seventeenfold. In front of the Bæjarstaður forest, experience shows that the lupin has gained ground at the cost of Icelandic plant species, as it is quick-growing and tall and forms a continuous field. Lupin prevails in competition against species such as birch, arctic riverbeauty and sea pea. In some places where the lupin has spread and filled whole areas the renewal of birch has been a slow and painstaking process. 

Course of action: In 1991, work was begun on cutting the lupin in order to decrease its spreading rate and reclaim natural growth. This effort was successful to some extent, but completing the work will require a host of people for several years. The reason being the great quantity of seeds still in the ground. With the above in mind, the majority of the work volunteers will be doing will include removing lupins to ensure the growth of the parks native plant species. In addition to this, volunteers will be involved in way marking and trail repair work. 

Full Time Workers: 3
Volunteer Workers: 30

Valued Skills: Volunteers should be between 20 to 40 years old, fit, healthy and capable of carrying out work in all conditions in a cold and wet climate. In addition, you need to be prepared to hike to get around, and to be comfortable living in rustic conditions and camping in a tent for two weeks. The area of Skaftafell is pristine wilderness, so it is important that you have already had some exposure to this type of terrain. This is not a programme for you if you find it difficult to be out in remote areas, or have no previous wilderness and camping experience. No specific skills are needed, but those with previous experience of manual conservation work, trail work, botany, terrestrial monitoring etc. would be particularly useful, as well as those who are self-motivated, as you will get more out of the project if you are. The project will especially appeal to those with an interest in conservation, restoration, wilderness and low impact camping. Anyone with additional skills are especially welcome! 

Other Information: The conditions will be quite tough! There is a base camp in the National Park where you will be staying and eating, however, please note you will have to bring your own tent. You will need a tent that is sturdy and can withstand strong winds! Simple light weight cooking facilities will be provided at the base camp, as well as your food supply for the two weeks. So you will cook as a group and live in your individual tents. The base camp has the following facilities: an eating group area, a drying area, dry toilet etc. A list of personal items to bring will be given to you with your final package if you are accepted on the project.