The calm before the storm…
Of runners that is. An early start once again as I had to be at my location before the event road closures which came into place at 07:30.
One great thing about these early road closures though, is the absolute tranquility that descends on the area.
And in the silence, the old growth of this ancient woodland comes alive with birdsong and the sounds of insects buzzing.
While this is a very pretty flower, it is an invasive species in Killarney National park, and it thrives in the microclimate here. This rhododendron, if left unchecked, will grow 10’ tall or more, and so thick that no light will reach the forest floor. It spreads and chokes out all other plant life, and no animals will eat it.
So far, the only successful response has been to cut it down, burn the wood and paint the stump with weed killer. But the damn thing grows and spreads so vigorously, it’s a constant battle that continues year after year.
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