A new report on the economic cost of ‘invasive and non-native species’ has been completed and presented to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and the National Parks and Wildlife Service. They have identified thirty-one invasive species that are now established and a further twelve that pose an immediate potential threat which cost the economy £46.5m each year.

Invasive species provide what is considered to be the biggest threat to worldwide biodiversity as they form direct competition with native wildlife and plants, so altering habitats and having the potential to introduce parasites and diseases that any native species may not be immune to, changing an environment for ever.

One of the most prominent examples in Ireland is the rhododendron bush. Many people have wonderful examples of this in their garden, but what they might not realise is that it is one of the worst offenders on the invasive list. This was brought to the fore earlier this week when a couple in their 50s had to be rescued from what can only be described as a dense rhododendron forest in a ‘treacherous area’ on an Irish mountainside.

The five hour operation to rescue the couple took place in the Knockmealdowns Mountains, which covers the border between County Waterford and County Tipperary. The pair of experienced hill walkers found themselves getting into difficulty on steep ground which overlooks Bay Lough.

The area was described by members of the South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association as being like an impenetrable jungle. The couple were quickly located and the rescue team made their way towards them and were within 400 metres of them but it then took over two hours to travel the next 350 metres because of the dense vegetation. Within travelling just 50 metres it was apparent that movement was going to be extremely difficult and the only way to proceed was to crawl. Getting in was only half the problem as once the couple were found by the rescue team that had to decide on the best way for everyone to get out again. In the end they dropped 100 metres down through the forest to the lake’s edge and were taken off by the Cahir River Rescue.

Apart from being exhausted the walkers were none the worst for wear, but the rescue team said it was one of the most difficult and tiring operations they had undertaken in the last fifteen years. The plant’s dense foliage blocks out sunlight and so kills of all the surrounding vegetation and in this area had literally grown wild.

It just goes to show that inspite of having all the right gear, including baselayers, fleeces, walking trousers, boots and plenty of experience as well they were still caught out by the conditions, so when you are out on new route do as much preparation as you can, and see if you can find out a little local knowledge, it just might make the difference.