REMOVE TO RESTORE

A community volunteering event to protect Faroese biodiversity

On 30 May, we invite both locals and visitors to take part in a hands-on community effort to remove Garden Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla mollis), an invasive plant spreading rapidly across gardens, roadsides, and hillsides in the Faroe Islands.

Locally, the plant is often called “skøra”, Faroese slang for crazy.
And fittingly, it grows exactly like that: wildly, quickly, and without boundaries.

While beautiful in appearance, the species is increasingly taking over fragile natural areas and pushing out native plants that Faroese ecosystems depend on.

To help protect local biodiversity, FNU Føroya Náttúru- og Umhvørvisfelag, Tórshavnar kommuna, Visit Tórshavn, and Visit Faroe Islands are joining forces and inviting the public to become part of what we hope is the beginning of a bigger movement.

More than a volunteering event

Together, locals and travellers will work directly in nature, learning about Faroese landscapes, invasive species, and the small practical actions that can make a real difference.

We hope participants leave not only with muddy hands and new connections, but with the feeling of having helped leave the destination in a better state than they found it.

What to expect

Volunteers will work in groups of around 20 people across three selected locations in Tórshavn where skøra is causing significant environmental damage.

Specialists and nature experts will guide participants on:

• how to identify the plant
• how to remove it correctly
• how to prevent it from spreading further

Collection bags and practical equipment will be provided.

You do not need to be especially fit to participate, but you should be comfortable digging and spending time on your knees outdoors.

The event is free, but sign-up is required.