South Kerry Development Partnership will host a special conference on “How and Why to manage Rhododendron at the Brehon Hotel on November 5.

Speakers at the conference include Malcolm Noonan T.D., Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Dr. Therese Higgins from Munster Technology University, Patricia Deane from The MacGillycuddy Reeks EIP Project, local farmers and NPWS staff.

The invasive plant species has caused no end of problems in Killarney National Park and surrounding areas.

The one-day event is about sharing knowledge and practical advice on the management of Rhododendron in the locality.

“Rhododendron ponticum is an excellent example of a non-native invasive species, which free from the factors that limit it in its native lands, has thrived at the expense of our own native habitats and species,” said Eleanor Turner, the Biosphere Officer with South Kerry Development Partnership.

“Concerns have been raised about the spread of this invasive species throughout the Kerry UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and beyond where going unchecked it will have a significant impact on our native biodiversity. Rhododendron ponticum has also been highlighted as a concern in many other parts of Ireland.

“This conference will share learnings from groups already engaged in treating Rhododendron ponticum; to offer best practice and practical advice to encourage landowners, gardeners and community groups to begin tackling the issue in their own local areas.”

Details of the event can be found on: https://kerrybiosphere.ie/news/82-upcoming-conference-in-the-kerry-biosphere-reserve

Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite for €15.