Reading the landscape: Exploring comes naturally to most children but sometimes the adults need a little help. The new Habitat Explorer Series (Collins, £5.99 each) written by Really Wild Show TV presenter Nick Baker gives the grown-ups plenty of reasons to let their children loose this summer.
The series covers the seashore, forest and woodlands, rivers, ponds and lakes and gardens and parks so basically no outdoor area gets left out. Aimed at seven to 12-year-olds, the books teach children such things as how to catch crabs without getting their fingers nipped, how to make a bird bath with cabbage leaves and how to make a micro zoo.
Another book that landed on Horizons desk this week is The Thunder Mutters 101 Poems from the Planet edited by award-winning English poet Alice Oswald (Faber, £7.99). Taking its title from a poem by John Clare, the collection includes poems by Seamus Heaney, Ted Hughes, Robert Burns, Gerard Manley Hopkins, Patrick Kavanagh and others. A gentle travel companion for the summer holidays.
Organic growth
Organic farmers in various counties around Ireland will open their farm gates to farmers considering entering the sector - and other interested members of the public - throughout the summer months. In spite of increasing consumer demands for organic produce, less than 1 per cent of land is farmed organically in Ireland, as compared to more than 4 per cent in countries such as Italy, Austria, Sweden and Finland.
Teagasc, the farm support agency, will provide information on organic production and grant schemes at each open day. Farmers hosting open days include Patrick Roche, Cushinstown, Foulksmills, Co Wexford (Saturday, June 24th at 2pm), John McDonnell, Shalvanstown, Rathkenny, Slane, Co Meath (Saturday, July 1st at 2pm), Ernest Mackey, Ballinclea, Donard, Co Wicklow (Saturday, July 8th at 2pm) and Jason Horner, Leen, Rathclooney, Crusheen, Co Clare (Saturday, July 15th at 2pm). See www.teagasc.ie for full list.
Country in the city
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown's visitor week kicks off tomorrow with a rural day in Marlay Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin. Events include driving pony and traps, sheep shearing, sheep dog demonstrations and free guided tours of the 18th-century Marlay House.
The farmers' market takes place in the People's Park, Dún Laoghaire tomorrow and next Sunday from noon to 6pm. Meanwhile, an ecoday with wildlife gardening workshops for adults and eco nature trails for children is scheduled for June 24th from 10am to 4pm in Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Hall, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin. Call 01-2054817 for more details.
Multiple personalities
Next Saturday the west end of Temple Bar in Dublin's city centre will be taken over from 10am to 6pm by the Cultivate Community Multicultural Street Festival. It offers everyone a chance to try ethnic food, check out the fashion market and learn about alternative energy. Call 01-6746396 for more details.
