Nature events and notices
Cullen biologically committed
Conservationists working for the protection of endangered species of plants and animals in Ireland were encouraged by Minister for the Environment Martin Cullen's "commitment" to the establishment of a National Biological Records Centre at the EU Conference on Biodiversity in Malahide, Co Dublin earlier this week. His "approval in principle for the establishment of the centre" was a step forward and Waterford Institute of Technology was suggested as a possible location for such a centre.
"The challenge now is to secure long-term commitment for the funding and staffing of a National Biological Records Centre, the importance of which, for proper planning and development, has already been recognised by up to 20 agencies and institutions [including the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Roads Authority, Coillte and Teagasc]," said Liam Lysaght of the Heritage Council.
The Heritage Council presented a policy paper to the Government, outlining the costs and structure of a records centre, in October 2003.
Taking the green pledge
In advance of World Environment Day (WED) next Saturday, the Environment and Heritage Service in Northern Ireland has launched an environmental pledge campaign to encourage people to lessen their negative impact on the environment. The pledge sheet (available at www.ehsni.gov.uk) suggests ways individuals can make positive changes, such as turning down thermostats on boilers, turning off taps when cleaning teeth, and installing "water hippos" in toilet cisterns, saving about three litres of water with each flush. Those who fill in the form will receive free energy-efficient lightbulbs on World Environment Day.
See www.eicni.org for WED events in Northern Ireland next week.
Birdie four
Now in their fourth year, the Birdwatch Ireland field courses on Cape Clear Island, Co Cork, are growing in popularity. Based in the Cape Clear Bird Observatory, they offer indoor and outdoor learning through morning discussions and slide-shows and afternoon field excursions. This year's courses are: Beginning Birdwatching, June 18th-20th, July 2nd-4th and July 30th- August 1st (€75); Wildlife Photography, July 18th-23rd (€195); and Seabirds and Migration, August 22nd-27th (€195).
Participants must arrange their own accommodation and choose between self-catering at the observatory for €18 per night or local b&bs. To book, telephone 01-2819878 or e-mail dmurphy@birdwatchireland.org
'Rhodo-bashing' breaks
The summer conservation workshops popularly known as "rhodo-bashing" begin in Killarney National Park on Sunday, June 13th. Organised by Groundwork, these camps attract hundreds of volunteers from home and abroad. The camp workers clear invasive rhododendron from native oakwoods within the National Park in areas which otherwise would not be dealt with.
Accommodation is provided in a hostel, at €30 for one week or €45 for two weeks. See also www.groundwork.ie or telephone 01-6604530.
