Horizons:Sylvia ThompsonThe search is on to find the Irish gardens which attract the most wildlife. Birdwatch Ireland and Corrin Hill ice-cream makers have teamed up to create a new award scheme for the best biodiversity garden in five categories - urban, suburban, rural, schools and public spaces.
"Gardens have a major role to play in maintaining biodiversity," says Oran O'Sullivan, chief executive officer of Birdwatch Ireland. "It is ironic that some traditional farmland species that have decreased in the countryside can actually thrive in the garden environment. Gardeners in new housing estates on green field sites can lessen the impact of development by planting gardens and open spaces with wildlife in mind."
Find out how to maintain a wildlife-friendly garden and download an entry form for the competition at www.corrinhill.ie. Post your application, before August 31st, 2007, to: Corrin Hill Biodiversity Garden Awards 2007, PO Box 11084, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin.
Renewable conferences
Almost one million Irish homes built before 1997 are poorly insulated and energy inefficient, according to the renewable energy association, Renewable Energy Skills network. Dick Whelan of RES was speaking in advance of the third National Renewable Energy Heating Conference at the Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) on Thursday, September 6th. The key focus of this year's conference will be explaining the financial benefits of renewable energy heating systems and improved energy efficiency through better building design. On Friday, September 7th, the Limerick Clare Energy Agency will hold its Energy Solutions National Conference at the LIT. See www.renewableenergy.ie or call 087-2644117 for more details.
Biomass for the masses
It has been suggested that bioenergy will meet 10 per cent of Ireland's future energy needs, and there is growing interest in the development of bioenergy and wood-based fuels as a way to reduce Ireland's high dependency on fossil fuels. Over 5,000 people are expected to attend Bioenergy 2007, the largest outdoor bioenergy event this year, which will take place at Teagasc Oak Park, Carlow on Thursday, August 30th. Organised by Coford, the National Council for Forest Research and Development, Teagasc, the Agriculture and Food Development Authority and Sustainable Energy Ireland, the event will include seminars, workshops and biomass displays. Call 023-29185 for details.
A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall
Hard Rain: Our Headlong Collision with Nature is the title of an exceptional photographic exhibition which opens today at the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust at Castle Espie, Comber, Co Down. The exhibition, the result of 30 years work by photographer Mark Edwards and inspired by the Bob Dylan song A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall, illustrates the pressing issues of climate change, poverty, habitat loss and human rights. The exhibition continues at Castle Espie until January 2008. Call 048-91874146 or visit wwt.org.uk/visit/ castleespie for more details. See also www.hardrainproject.com
EcoWeb
[ www.forestryheritagereview.com ]
Woodlands of Ireland are carrying out a review of the Heritage Council forestry policy. Check out this website for details. Interested members of the public can contribute ideas to the review until August 21st.