Experience volunteering with SCI Swizterland in Killarney National Park Ireland. As a volunteer you actively support the protection of a unique ecosystem! In this report Gabriela, a long-term volunteer, talks about her work and life in an international team.
Volunteering for and within the local ecosystem
Volunteer in Killarney National Park actively contribute to protecting the park’s unique ecosystem. The main focus is to support natural methods of controlling the invasive Rhododendron ponticum, which threatens native biodiversity.
During the project,volunteers:
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Remove rhododendron flowers to prevent further seed spread
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Treat mature plants using small tools to stop regrowth
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Pull out young seedlings by hand
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Cut saplings using secateurs
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Assist with protecting native woodland areas
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Help raise awareness among visitors about conservation efforts in the National Park
The work often takes place in remote mountain areas, surrounded by stunning landscapes of lakes, forests and hills. While the tasks can be physically active, they are meaningful and directly contribute to preserving Ireland’s natural heritage!
Voices of Volunteers
Gabriela shared with us her experience as a long term volunteer in Killarney National Park:
This was my very first volunteer camp experience, and I am so happy to have discovered Service Civil International – the international organisation reflects exactly who I am and allows me to do something useful for our planet, together with other people from all over the world.
The great thing was being able to choose which field to work in: climate and the environment are particularly close to my heart. I was delighted to be able to participate in the volunteer camp in Killarney National Park in Ireland, which allowed me to discover the beauty of the place up close. Located in County Kerry in the southwest of Ireland the park covers more than 10,000 hectares and is made up of breathtaking mountains, peaceful lakes and ancient woodlands.
Together with the whole group, we worked to keep certain areas free from the invasion of rhododendrons as it threatens to dominate large areas of the park, reducing biodiversity and endangering native trees, shrubs, mosses and wildlife. We also planted new oak saplings in the beautiful woodland. In a few years, I will return to see how they have grown.
I will always cherish this wonderful experience, and I recommend everyone to have a similar experience at least once in their life.
If you are interested in taking part in a similar environmental project, you can explore international opportunities through Service Civil International at: https://www.volunteer.sci.ngo/.
