A NEW pilot project to tackle the issue of Rhododendron in the Dunlewey area is due to start in the coming weeks.
Cairde na hEaragaile CLG has secured funding through ‘LIFE IP Wild Atlantic Nature’ to undertake the Pilot Rhododendron Control Project.
The first part of this initiative will see the complete surveying and mapping of the Dunlewey area. Greentrack Consultancy Ltd have been appointed to do this survey and work will begin on the mapping in early January. This survey and map will allow them to develop an action plan to tackle this non-native, invasive species. The second part of the project is to train four to six people in the control of the plant and to employ them on a part-time basis for approximately three months to undertake pilot Rhododendron control works.
A similar project was trialled in the Bundorragh area of south Mayo last year and has shown great success. Cairde na hEaragaile have arranged for the group from Bundorragh to come to Dunlewey on January 12 and 13 to enlighten them about their project. An information evening will be held in Ionad Pobail Dhún Lúiche on Friday, January 12, and they will give a demonstration on their methods of control on Saturday, January 13.
They hope that this pilot project will be the beginning of a larger scheme where the individuals trained in will be able to undertake Rhododendron control works in other areas throughout the northwest.
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