Horizons

The clear felling of coniferous forests and the en masse plantation of non-indigenous coniferous trees - particularly Sitka spruce - are just some of the issues which will be raised at a public seminar on trees on Wednesday night. Entitled The Way Ahead for Broadleaves, the seminar, at the Westbury Hotel, at 7 p.m., is the closing event of this year's Feile Shamhna na gCrann/Festival of Trees. "There is a lot of anger out there and we are facilitating this forum to give people the opportunity to discuss the issues," says Peter Madden, Crann's information officer. "What many members of the public don't know is that the Government's strategic plan is to double the amount of land under forestry, and 80 per cent of the new forests will be coniferous plantations," says Jacinta French from Voice of Irish Concern for the Environment (VOICE). "We want more forest cover in Ireland but not the massive introduction of exotic species. This will be most damaging to the island's biodiversity." Speakers at the seminar include Dermot McAree, chief inspector of the Forest Service and Dr Liam Lysaght from the Heritage Council. Minister of State at the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources, Hugh Byrne, will also attend. Tel: 0509-51718.

When the Duke of Buckingham gave the daughter of the Earl of Granard in Castleforbes, Co Longford, a present of a dozen or so grey squirrels, little did he know what would ensue. Native to the US and larger than our native red squirrels, the greys bred furiously and spread throughout the country. Now in many places - most notably in the Phoenix Park - they have pushed the red squirrels almost out of existence. In some cases, the red squirrels have retreated to conifer plantations, which are not favoured by greys. However, a defensive action has begun, according to Coilin Mac Lochlainn, reporting in Releafing Ireland magazine. In the Wicklow mountains, the red squirrels still reign supreme and one Crann member plans to grow Scots pines solely to provide sanctuary for them. All supporters of the red squirrel living in the highlands should perhaps follow suit.

Eyes - An Architect's View of Historic Buildings is the title of John Redmill's lecture on Tuesday in the Royal Society of Antiquaries, 63 Merrion Square, Dublin. Organised by the Irish Georgian Society, the lecture will focus on how architects look at old buildings. It represents a good chance for interested members of the public to brush up on their knowledge of architectural terms. At 7.30 p.m. Admission: £3. Tel: 01-6767053.

Next Friday has been designated Buy Nothing Day by an amorphous group of people who wish to make an anti-consumerism statement. Initiated in the US, it is publicised via the website www.culturejammers.org. Join in, or rather, opt out, if you feel inclined.

Aid - Whose Development? Whose Decisions? is the title of Comhlamh's 25th anniversary conference next Friday and Saturday at the Marino Institute of Education, Griffith Avenue, Dublin 9. The conference will address the issues around aid to developing countries and who benefits most from such assistance. Speakers include Poul Nielson, European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid Responses, Dr John Makumbe, Department of Political Science, University of Zimbabwe and Tom Campbell from the Kimmage Manor Development Studies Centre. Tel: 014783490 for details.

Web World

www.enfo.ie

The website of the ENFO information office, 17 St Andrews St, Dublin 2, has a substantial library database (including videos to borrow) and publication lists, as well as information for schools and details of exhibitions. It is undoubtedly a powerhouse of information but some of its listings of exhibitions and lectures need updating.

Save The Planet

Shop for the environment by avoiding overpackaged products and buying products made from or re-packaged in recyclable materials as much as possible. Look out for the EU eco-label which is a guarantee that a product has a reduced impact on the environment. Say no to plastic bags - carry your own cloth bag or daypack for items instead.

E-mail: horizons@irish-times.ie