The cliffs were huge and dropped right into the ocean with incredible views of the water and green fields. The air was so fresh, and I walked past quiet little coves and beaches. There were seabirds flying around, and it felt so peaceful--like I was right on the edge of the world! It was one of those moments where I just stopped and took it all in. It was unforgettable.
In my ecology class, we learned about Rhododendron, a plant that’s invasive in Ireland. While hiking the Howth Peninsula this week, I saw just how bad it’s become. If you look closely, it’s everywhere, taking over forests, trees, and the natural landscape. The plant looks pretty, with its big clusters of pink or purple flowers, but it’s actually doing a lot of damage to the environment here. Rhododendron grows so thickly that it blocks sunlight from reaching other plants, which messes up the entire ecosystem. It’s harmful to the soil, making it more acidic, which also harms native plants and animals.
On the hike, I could see how it was crowding out the native vegetation, and it’s clear that, if left unchecked, it could seriously affect Ireland’s biodiversity. It's one of those examples of how something beautiful in nature can be very destructive to the environment.
