Wetland Restoration Field Day in South Iceland with Professor Hlynur Óskarsson

This week, the GRÓ LRT fellows took part in a day trip to South Iceland to explore restored wetlands with Professor Hlynur Óskarsson. The aim of the excursion was to learn about wetland ecosystems and compare restoration efforts at different stages.

The visit began at Skálholt, one of Iceland’s most historic sites. At the Gestastofa Visitor Centre, Professor Hlynur gave a lecture on wetland degradation, restoration techniques, and the role of wetlands in biodiversity and climate resilience. After the lecture, the group took a short walk through nearby fields to observe the surrounding landscape.

Next, the group visited Sogn, where active restoration work is taking place. There, fellows saw examples of rewetting and discussed how vegetation responds over time.

The final stop was Flói Friðland, a protected wetland that was restored 28 years ago. The fellows explored the site on footpaths through the wetland and observed a rich variety of birdlife, while learning about the long-term benefits of wetland protection.

This excursion allowed the fellows to connect classroom knowledge with real-world examples of ecosystem restoration in Iceland, deepening their understanding of how land, water, and life are linked in wetland systems