Compiled by FRANCIS BRADLEY
Charity treksTwo charity events coming up in aid of for Vita, the Irish International Development agency, are a sponsored cycle on the Great Western Greenway (next Saturday, August 13th) and a sponsored walk on the Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail (August 19th-21st). For the cycle, participants can choose the 18km route from Newport to Mulranny or the full distance to Achill (50km). Participants on the heritage trail can complete the 60km trail or a section of it. Registration for both events is €30 and under 16s go free. Details from Deirdre Ruane at tel: 01-8734303 or e-mail: deirdre.ruane@vita.ie.
Charity walkThe Sliabh Liag (Slieve League) Charity Walk in aid of Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin takes place tomorrow, Sunday, August 7th. The walk, run in conjunction with Kilcar Fleadh and the Sliabh Liag Hillwalkers, will take about four hours and participants should be properly equipped for a day in the hills; bring waterproofs, boots and so on. Registration is at Kilcar House, Kilcar, at 12pm and the fee of €20 includes bus and refreshments. For more details call Paddy McBrearty at 074-9738981 or Gerry Fox at 087-9343890.
Nature eventsMore free events with Wicklow Mountains National Park include a bat talk and walk at 7.30pm Thursday, August 11th, at the Education Centre, Glendalough. Booking is not required. At Knocksink Nature Reserve, Enniskerry, on Saturday, August 13th, there will be a wildflower walk at 11am and a guide to wild plants of benefit to butterflies and bees at 2pm. Places are limited to 30 for each event. Booking is essential. Bring insect repellent – the midges are out. For details, tel: 0404-45425.