Fun outdoors work, stunning scenery, lovely people

I joined the programme for two weeks during the summer of 2014 and found it a fantastic experience. The tasks involved doing hands-on practical work to help maintain the hiking trails in the surrounding area, such as building steps and doing stone pitching - interesting to learn how to do and a great test for the muscles! There were quite a few volunteers present on the programme at a time, but we split into smaller groups which made it really easy to get to know people and everyone was really lovely and positive. The base camp is situated in a beautiful valley with plenty of pretty walks that can be done on the weekends, such as a trek up to the lava field made by the 2010 eruption. A good tent and warm sleeping bag is needed (I went at the end of August when there were a few frosty mornings), but the camp has both a marquee and hut which can be used by volunteers for socializing in the warmth, and also warm showers and a proper toilet block. The local people are very welcoming and show clear gratitude for the work being done. There was food aplenty, with volunteers taking it in turns to cook the main meals and lots of biscuits provided for the day. All in all, a very fulfilling experience and very well organised!