During their two-week visit to Iceland, the Irish students spent time at the Agricultural University of Iceland and collaborated with Land and Forest Iceland on a pre-arranged project. On Tuesday, May 27th, Iðunn Hauksdóttir, a district representative, facilitated a site visit to Hítardalur. Following prior arrangements with Helgastaðir farmer Gísli Friðjónsson, thirty hay bales were procured and transported to the designated reclamation area. Mr. Friðjónsson further assisted with the project, utilising a tractor to process and strategically place the bales within erosion control structures.

Subsequently, the Irish students, utilising hayforks, achieved a more efficient distribution of the rolls. Furthermore, they deployed seed and fertiliser, addressing areas inaccessible to mechanised equipment.

Land and Forest Iceland manages a substantial reclamation area in Hítardalur, actively undergoing restoration since 2019. The recent efforts by the Irish guests focused on the Skógarhóll area, characterised by vegetated patches of shrubs, heather, and forest floor species interspersed with severely eroded zones. The intervention involved distributing aged hay to stabilise these vulnerable areas. On this fair day in May, the student volunteers from Ireland worked to protect existing vegetation and mitigate further erosion. Photographs accompanying this report were provided by Iðunn Hauksdóttir.

Land and Forest Iceland extends its sincerest gratitude to its volunteer guests!