The battle is under way for Snowdonia as it begins the mammoth task to eradicate rhododendrons that cover around 2000 hectares of land in the area. This plant is causing harm to the environment as it damages the eco-system through its dense evergreen foliage that makes it incredibly difficult for any other plants to compete for growth against them. It has led to a number of native vegetation to be virtually wiped out in certain areas.

Rhododendrons are somewhat popular garden plants across the world, but in Snowdonia, they have begun spreading beyond control, which has called for action that will need investment of around £10m across a period of five years.

These plants come in a range of different types, which can sometimes make them difficult to identify and are also notoriously difficult to kill; often requiring several attempts to inject, cut or burn bushes until they are eventually eradicated. They spread like wild fire as a single bush can produce a million seeds per year, putting into perspective just how far they can spread if left unchecked.

Just last year, a report was published that it wasn’t only other native Snowdonia plants being affected, but sheep will mistakenly eating the poisonous rhododendron leaves causing them to die. The plant has also been shown to reduce the number of earthworms and birds that cause an imbalance, while affecting the areas ability to regenerate. Conservation organisations are working with local gardeners to persuade them to replace the bushes with non-invasive species.
The worst hit parts of Snowdonia have been Mawddwy, south and north of the Mawddach, the Vale of Ffestiniog, Glaslyn and Gwynant areas, along with Betws-y-Coed with many vegetation and livestock suffering with more at risk. There is increasing good news as funding and awareness increases, along with improvements in the way in which the situation is handled, with positive prospects in regards to the future.