Horizons

Heritage thrust: Broadening the visitor experience of heritage will be a key to making historic places of interest to greater numbers of people, according to Kevin Baird, the newly appointed CEO of the Irish Heritage Trust. Baird spoke at the fourth annual Historic Houses of Ireland conference at NUI Maynooth, Co Kildare, last weekend.

Baird said that the public is interested in the restoration and conservation of buildings as it offers them an insight into the human skills that lie behind the mortars and fabrics, then and now. He also pointed out that there is a growing interest in stories from below stairs or on the wider estate of the Big House. "Historic Houses and Estates can be regarded as symbols of someone else's heritage however they can also be a place for learning and discovery, spiritual refreshment, physical recreation or simply a place to spend time with friends and family. Those are the areas we as a Trust hope to develop," he said. The Irish Heritage Trust will, through negotiations with owners, acquire properties of significant heritage value that are at risk and conserve and maintain them for public use.

North West nosh

Organic food trails, gardening for children, wild mushroom hunts and an organic fair. These are some of the main events in the North West Food Festival which runs from Saturday next until September 24th. Many activities take place in the Organic Centre, Rossinver, Co Leitrim, including the organic fair which has become one of the biggest organic events in Ireland. This year, there will be a dedicated Slow Food tent where local producers will give talks through the day (Sunday, September 24th). Those visiting the area during the festival will have an opportunity to try out Ireland's first EU Flower certified accommodation. The EU Flower is the European Union's Environmental Quality and is one of the early steps taken by the Greenbox to develop the area as an ecotourism destination. See www.greenbox.ie. See also www.eco-label.com. Tel: 071-9856898.

Night classes return

As children return to school, so many adults decide to take evening courses. Those interested in environmental and ecological studies should take a browse through the UCD adult education programme. This term includes an introductory course to environmental issues such as climate change, waste and energy, a guide to Ireland's seashore communities and a course on ecological gardening. See www.ucd.ie/adulted for more details or tel: 01-7167123.

Winning eco

Young environmentalists should call by at ENFO, 17 St Andrew St, Dublin, to check out the display of entries and winners of this year's Eco-Unesco Young Environmentalist awards. Entrants were given a wide range of themes to explore - climate change, energy, biodiversity, water, waste, eco art and design - so go along and see what you think. Opening hours 10am-5pm, Monday to Saturday, admission free. The exhibition continues until September 21st. See www.ecounesco.ie for details or pick up application forms and handbook there for next year's competition.