Rhododendron ponticum L. is an evergreen, woody shrub, belonging to the Ericaceae family. Native to parts of Spain, the Caucasus Mountains and the Black Sea coast, it was introduced to Britain in the eighteenth century. It has since developed into one of Britain’s most problematic invasive species, causing ecological and economic damage. This article discusses the history of R. ponticumin Wales, considering the environmental and social factors which have contributed towards its success here. The current situation in Wales is explained, including the damage it causes and the efforts undertaken to manage its spread. To conclude, the paper will evaluate how future environmental challenges will affect R. ponticum’s spread in Wales.

Cynhaliwyd Cynhadledd Wyddonol 2019 yng Nghanolfan Medrus, Prifysgol Aberystwyth, ar 6 Mehefin 2019. Roedd y gynhadledd yn gyfle i gyflwyno'r ymchwil gwyddonol ddiweddaraf trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg. Yma ceir casgliad o gyflwyniadau a fideos o'r gynhadledd.

701 pieces of litter were collected per kilometre from a small rural road in Gwynedd. The minimum annual ‘hidden’ cost of this litter – uncollected by the local authority – was £11.81 per kilometre. The comparable annual cost of such litter on small rural roads throughout Wales is £230,000. A substantial proportion of these costs could be eliminated through introducing a deposit system for cans and bottles. 13 specific companies were responsible for producing more than one quarter of all the litter collected. The Welsh Government could arrange an annual mitigation payment of £58,000 from them in order to defray the hidden costs of litter associated with their activities.

The introduction of non-native species presents one of the most significant threats facing biodiversity worldwide. Freshwater ecosystems are particularly affected, due to the widespread introduction of species to rivers and lakes for aquaculture and fishing. This article describes non-native, freshwater animals that are present and invasive in Britain, as well as those which are likely to become established over the coming years. The effects of these animals on freshwater ecosystems are explained, and problems that are faced when attempting to manage invasive species are highlighted. Additionally, the effects of climate change and other stressors on the future distribution of non-native species are discussed. 

Historic coal mining and the associated processes have had a detrimental effect on the natural environment in the south Wales coalfield as contaminated mine drainage from abandoned mines discharges into the local hydrological system. The legacy of coal mining includes the discharge of contaminated mine drainage from several abandoned mines and the formation of insoluble iron minerals. This article discusses the underground processes that lead to the formation of contaminated water and iron minerals. Four abandoned coal mines located in the western part of the coal field and the remediation systems operational at these sites were investigated. Contaminated mine waters at these sites are being remediated through the removal of iron so that the final concentrations are in line with those recommended by the Water Framework Directive.

Nod y prosiect hwn oedd deall gwasgariad y parasit llyngyr y rwmen yng Nghymru. Gweithiodd gwyddonwyr o IBERS, Prifysgol Aberystwyth, gydag aelodau CFfI ar draws Cymru i ddarganfod ym mha ffermydd yr oedd llyngyr y rwmen yn bresennol.

The renewable energy sector is growing as states aim to curtail their carbon emissions and establish a more sustainable strategy to generate energy. Despite this, there are arguments that large-scale renewable energy developments do not contribute towards community sustainability and local economies. According to recent research, community energy projects – renewable energy projects that are part or fully owned by a geographically distinct community – are seen as a means of generating energy in a way that is more sympathetic, equitable and sustainable. This article reviews the current literature that debates the benefits and obstacles facing the community energy sector.

Definitions and explanations of geographical terms, including processes, landforms, theories and techniques.