This week on Ours to Protect we’re taking a look at the invasive species rhododendron and efforts to clear it from Killarney National Park.
Did you know?…..
The species was introduced to Kerry during Victorian times and it has thrived here. The problem is – it spreads rapidly, smothering all native flora and fauna.
Stretching across 10,000 hectares Killarney National Park has the largest woodlands in Ireland with some of our oak woodlands dating back thousands of years.
The Park has been designated a biosphere reserve because of the rare flora and fauna that thrive here. However, this ancient ecosystem is under threat from the dense and rampant rhododendron plant.
The park has been divided into different zones, working to clear each zone of rhododendron.
However, the plant reseeds so quickly, they continually have to re-clear zones already done.
How can I help?
Killarney Mountain Meitheal is a voluntary organisation that clears rhododendron from the park.
It’s led by Peter O’Toole, who was a conservation ranger in the park for 40 years, and even though he’s now retired he’s still working to get the rhodo problem under control.
If you want to be part of the solution the Meitheal group meet twice a week.
You’ll find them on Facebook or at Abbey cross on the road to Muckross at 9am every Sunday and Tuesday morning.
Useful links….
https://www.nationalparks.ie/killarney/
https://assets.gov.ie/79136/2403570f-4730-47ed-96fe-c5a96e966f2c.pdf
