Pictures: Valerie O’Sullivan
The war against a foreign invader has recommenced in Killarney.
The ongoing battle between concerned environmentalists and the invasive rhododendron has resumed with volunteer foot soldiers descending on Killarney National Park twice a week to cut, spray and root out the rampant and damaging species.
The 10,000-hectare Unesco biosphere reserve, with ancient oaks and sublime landscapes that attract millions of visitors, has been under threat for several years but a Mountain Meitheal group was established to lead the fight back.
And while the omens are good and steady progress is being made, the problem requires constant attention, ongoing vigilance and more volunteers willing to don the hi-vis bibs and protective gloves to help to curb the spread of the species which can smother everything in its path.
The Mountain Meitheal volunteers meetup twice a week, gathering at the Abbey Cross in Muckross every Sunday and Tuesday.
They meet at 9.00am and disperse at 12.30pm with an on-site tea-break arranged at 11.00am.
“We have some fantastic and dedicated volunteers whose enthusiasm and effort knows no bounds but we are always looking for other men and women to lend a hand.
“All they need to do is to turn up on the day they will be made to feel most welcome,” said Mountain Meitheal volunteer Johnny McGuire.
Those willing to lend a hand are asked to wear appropriate footwear and clothing suitable for the woodlands and all other equipment will be provided.
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