Iceland

       Iceland is well-known for its extremely beautiful, diverse and photogenic urban and rural landscapes. The stereotype notion of Iceland, by those who have never been is a land fire and Ice where trolls still run wild. It is certainly a land of ice and occassionally fir – though I have never actually met a troll (although one sees lots of famous errant trolls that stayed out after sunrise and were turned into stone).  Quite apart from awesome volcanoes, glaciers and natural hot springs, the Wind Reader illustrates a much more complex and equally beautiful urban and rural landscape. In fact, in 2007, the United Nations ranked Iceland as the world's most desirable country to live in. The distinction has a lot to do with the way they approach their urban and landscapes. It stems from a delightful mindset that "whatever you do, do it for the edification of Iceland."

Naturally this is reflected in their arts, architecture and education. But it is also reflected in the much more difficult quest for better land-care. Difficult in the sense that rural depopulation and a contrary natural environment tend to interfere with the best laid plans. However, those charged with the task of landscape conservation, restoration and improvement have profusely demonstrated they are up for the task and are supported by a large and very active volunteer sector representing many public and civil-minded associations.