Myrtille: exploring Ånderdalen National Park with purpose.

Myrtille was one of 12 teenagers who traveled by train and bus from France to Northern Norway to take part in conservation efforts at Ånderdalen National Park. Now, she looks back on this once-in-a-lifetime journey, sharing some of her sketches along the way.

Hi Myrtille! Can you introduce yourself?

Hi! I am 15 years old, I am French and I study at the Fénelon Notre-Dame high school in La Rochelle, France.

You recently took part in a rather extraordinary adventure: how would you summarize it?

It was a journey full of meaningful encounters, thanks to Ingve (manager of Ånerdalen National Park), Delphin (the director from Rissa who guided us throughout the week), the students from Senja High School, and of course, the group from Fénelon (my school). This adventure offered not only valuable learning moments but also many unexpected turns. We learned to identify birds by their calls and tracks, footprints of various mammals, and participated in nature restoration actions. We also experienced some extraordinary moments, from swimming in a lake with water just 2°C to covering 8,000 km by train and bus.

Myrtille, Charlotte and Nico enjoying a cold swim in Åndervatnet.

What were your motivations to join this project?

As someone who loves the outdoors and cares deeply about the environment, I connected with the project right away. I couldn’t imagine a better way to travel than relying solely on trains and buses, and I was thrilled to have this opportunity to contribute to the protection of a national park in Norway!

Myrtille's team repairing a hiking trail in Ånderdalen National Park.

You often drew during your spare time. What can you tell us about these drawings?

Most of these drawings depict birds we were able to hear or observe during our trip. I also noticed that drawing them made it easier to recognize them later, and thinking about it, that makes perfect sense. To create a realistic drawing, you have to pay close attention to every detail of the subject, making sure to capture what stands out the most, like plumage, proportions, or the thickness of a line. It forces you to slow down and truly observe, something we don’t always do in our everyday lives.

Some of the sketches Myrtille drew during her stay in Ånderdalen National Park.

What inspired you the most during this journey? And what did you find most difficult?

What inspired me most during this trip was the determination and drive shown by Ingve and Delphin in working to protect what they deeply care about (Ingve with the national park, and Delphin through creating a nonprofit to safeguard wildlife). Their commitment made me realize that I, too, can make a difference in my own way and take action toward what I believe is important.

Ingve Birkeland describing restoration techniques to the volunteers in Ånderdalen National Park.

The most challenging aspect for me was dealing with fatigue. It dulls our ability to fully experience the present moment, heightens our sensitivity, and cand can take away from experiences that would otherwise be meaningful.

Clémence, Marion, Victor and Myrtille taking a nap along Ånderelva.

You took part in bird inventories and nature restoration efforts in the national park. What lasting impression did this experience leave on you?

It reminded me that even the smallest actions can have a real impact and be of great help to others; something I had forgotten. This journey left me with a deep sense of pride and gratitude, and I’m truly grateful to have been part of such a meaningful project.

Marion, Myrtille and Alban on their first hike in Ånderdalen National Park.