Members of the Abbeyleix Bog Project have appealed to Laois locals to help them tackle a 'major problem' they are facing.

They say they are looking for people who are 'willing to get in' and help with bog restoration, providing a morning of education and learning.

The growth of rhododendron in the area has led to biodiversity concerns, as its rapid spread has impacted the growth of natural flora in the area.

The group have appealed to Laois volunteers to join them on Saturday November 8, where they will attempt to remove the rhododendron. 

The volunteers have made good progress on reducing the threat of rhododendron & cherry laurel in the area. Over the last two years the group have spent their time mechanically removing and shredding large areas along the Killamuck loop.

More recently, they have manually removed over 100 clumps of rhododendron within the inner Boardwalk/Ursula's loop.

"We have identified a large area along Collins Loop / Ursula's path that needs removal," a representative said.

"Rhododendron is a major problem at Abbeyleix Bog and is a growing one, we need to act now. We are meeting at Polly's at 10am, this is located beside the Manor Hotel in Abbeyleix. All are welcome to come and help with bashing, cutting, pulling and clearing cuttings into clusters," they said.

"The aim is to make the inner loop (Ursula's path/Boardwalk) a Rhodofree zone."

The group will work from 10am to 1pm on Saturday.

A group of 20 volunteers from a Financial Services group joined members in October for a volunteer day facilitated by Laois Volunteer Centre.

"We have carried out trials on best solution in treatment of roots and are actively mapping the bog area to give us data on its extent and reach," the Bog Project managers have said.

"We have reached a large wall area of rhododendron along Ursula’s path and are looking to increase our volunteer base to tackle it, with a call to community for a community Volunteer morning on Sat 8th November.

"If we can remove this area of approximately 40 metres, then we will be a long way towards our stated goal of making the Inner Loop a rhodo-free zone.

All help is welcomed and appreciated. If possible bring hand saws, loppers, secateurs and gloves, but materials can be supplied," they finished.

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