Horizons

The walls have years: Dublin City Council's recent conservation plan for the medieval city walls is a positive step forward for their future preservation. The plan has highlighted that more of the city's walls have survived than was previously thought and public walks around the medieval city are now planned.

Dublin's medieval past will be discussed in detail at the day-long 8th Medieval Dublin Symposium on Saturday, May 13th in the Robert Emmet Theatre, Arts Building, Trinity College Dublin. Various speakers will look at new archaeological evidence of Irish, English and Viking settlements from excavations around the city. Pre-Romanesque churches in Dublin and its hinterland will also be discussed. Admission free and all are welcome. Registration at 9.30am. Details 01-6081801 or e-mail sduffy@tcd.ie

Sustainable energy on sale

Consultants, suppliers and manufacturers of renewable energy technologies will gather at the RDS Industries Hall in Ballsbridge, Dublin on May 10th and 11th for the Energy Show. Organised by Sustainable Energy Ireland, the event is the major national showcase for renewable energy products. More details from energyshow@sei.ie. See also www.sei.ie

Exploring oil alternatives

With growing public concern about the possibility of an oil crisis, more and more people are looking for alternative ways to fuel their cars and heat their homes, schools and offices. The Westport Sustainability Group has organized a sustainability weekend, May 12th-14th to give people an opportunity to explore these alternatives. Speakers include economist Richard Dowthwaite and energy expert Clifford Guest. Demonstrations of t'ai chi, hemp lime construction, compost making and wood chipping will run throughout the weekend. More details on 098-27291

Wildlife reports

The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is encouraging local groups throughout the country to organise an event or walk to an area of natural beauty on World Biodiversity Day (May 22nd) or on Saturday/Sunday May 27th and 28th. The IWT is particularly interested in getting children involved so they have organised a competition in which seven- to 12-year-olds send in a report of their event (no more than 500 words) with photographs. The best three will receive prizes and a write-up in Irish Wildlife magazine. Entries must be registered by May 19th. See www.iwt.ie for more details or e-mail enquiries@iwt.ie

Dirty rotting compost

The Rotters Guide to Composting, an exhibition on composting, opened in ENFO, on St Andrew Street, Dublin this week. It will be of interest to householders keen to compost and those setting up community composting centres. ENFO is open Monday to Saturday, 10am-5.30pm. Admission free. Tel: 01-8883911. From the earth to the sky: kites will be flown at the May Day Kite Festival in Crawfordsburn Country Park on the shores of Belfast Lough on Monday. Amateurs can get free advice from experienced kite-fliers and there will be prizes for the most creative and colourful kites. Tel: 048-91853621 for details.