AN Aberystwyth University researcher who is looking for ways of controlling rampant rhododendron is the first recipient of a rural science and economy scholarship.

Gruffydd Lloyd Jones, who is studying for a PhD in ecology at the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, has been awarded the Cronfa J D R and Gwyneth Thomas Fund prize.

The award has been established by J D R Thomas, professor of chemistry at Cardiff University, and his late wife Gwyneth, in memory of Prof Thomas’ father John Thomas, who studied agriculture at Aberystwyth.

The fund offers a prize of £500 over an academic year to support a Welsh-speaking Aberystwyth University postgraduate student studying rural science or the rural economy.

Gruffydd, who is originally from Pwllheli, said: “It is an honour to be awarded the Cronfa J D R and Gwyneth Thomas Fund prize. These funds will be valuable not only in supporting me in continuing my studies, but also in supporting vital research to preserve Wales’ biodiversity.”

Gruffydd’s research project aims to find ways to control the aggressive spread of rhododendron plants in Wales, and has been dubbed ‘Rhodocop’.

Wales’ biodiversity is under threat from this alien invader according to Gruffydd who is passionate about his research.

“Coming from a farming background, I have first-hand experience of the effects rhododendron overgrowth can have on land-use and livestock health,” he said.

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