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Land and forest Iceland

Saga Gunnarsholts - publishing debut

6th June 2024

A comprehensive history of the Gunnarsholt farm in Rangárvellir has been published in a book by Sveinn Runólfsson, a former Director of the Icelandic Soil Conservation Service. To celebrate this occasion, the author and the publishing house Sæmundur are hosting a celebratory event marking the publication in collaboration with Land and Forest Iceland.

Cover photo of the History of Farm Gunnarsholt in Rangárvellir

As says on the book cover, early last century Iceland faced significant challenges due to severe wind and water erosion, resulting in devastating consequences. Notably, the Rangárvellir region experienced intense sandstorms that caused extensive damage, such as turf roofs on farmhouses being blown off and sand accumulating in Lake Reyðarvatn.

In response to these challenges, Icelanders initiated a comprehensive counteroffensive to mitigate the effects of erosion. This involved fencing off vulnerable areas to restrict livestock grazing, constructing protective sand walls, and implementing lyme grass sowing. Over time, these efforts have proven successful, transforming once-sandy landscapes into thriving, vegetated areas. As a result, one of the largest farms in Iceland's history was established in Gunnarsholt, Rangárvellir.

Author Sveinn Runólfsson resided in Gunnarsholt for almost seven decades, thereof serving 44 years as Director of the Icelandic Soil Conservation Service. In his book, he meticulously chronicles the history of the Gunnarsholt farm, particularly focusing on the remarkable transformation it underwent over the past century, evolving from a desolate wasteland into a verdant and thriving vegetation.

The celebratory event marking the publication will commence at 14:00 hours on Thursday, the 13th of June, at Sagnagarður in Gunnarsholt. Invitations will be extended to the book's organisers and subscribers whose names are duly registered in the Tabula Gratulatoria.