Highlighting hedgerowsUp to 150 delegates from farming organisations, local authorities and heritage groups met in Athlone, Co Westmeath, on Wednesday to discuss and debate the future of Irish hedgerows and to celebrate the launch, by Prof David Bellamy, of Irish Hedgerows: Networks for Nature edited by David Hickie.
"Our hedgerows are a unique landscape feature which we take for granted, yet they are under threat due to changed farming practices, road and house construction," Dr Rosaleen Dwyer, chairman of the hedgerows conservation group Networks for Nature, told The Irish Times. "We also have to look at the declining quality of hedges, which is why we offer training courses for agricultural contractors and landowners in how to cut hedges properly, how to rejuvenate old ones and establish new ones," she continued. Now two years into a three-year project to highlight the visual, functional, ecological and even spiritual value of hedgerows, the new book is a significant contribution to the project, funded by the Heritage Council, the Forest Service, the Department of Agriculture and Department of the Environment. See also www.networksfornature.com.
The direction of democracy
Standing at the Crossroads - What Path Should Ireland Take in the 21st Century? is the thought-provoking title of a one-day seminar to be held next Friday at Liberty Hall, Eden Quay, Dublin, from 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Speakers at the event, which is organised by the new independent group, Democracy Commission, include Irish Times columnist Fintan O'Toole. Themes for debate will include citizenship, elections in Ireland and local government. See also www.democracycommission.ie or tel: 01-6169050.
A very boggy Christmas
A Christmas fair and family day will be held in the Bog of Allen Nature Centre, Lullymore, Rathangan, Co Kildare, next Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors can take tours of the Old Bog Road exhibition and the garden of insect-eating plants. There will also be compost-making demonstrations and a garden bird watching event for children. The Irish Peatland Conservation Council enviroshop will be open on the day. See www.ipcc.ie or tel: 045-860133.
Landmark castle
The Barbican Gate at Glenarm Castle, Co Antrim, is the latest building to be restored and made available for holiday letting by the building preservation charity, the Irish Landmark Trust. Accommodation in this 14th century structure includes one en suite bedroom, a kitchen cum sittingroom and a roof terrace. Glenarm is a heritage village about 10 minutes' drive from Larne. The property can be rented for £280/£175 per week/weekend. Tel: 01-6704733 or see www.irishlandmark.com.
Handling art
The Institute for the Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works in Ireland is holding a workshop on art handling for exhibitions and loans on Wednesday. The workshop, which runs from 9.30 a.m. to 4.15 p.m., will cover conservation and administrative issues. Cost €120. Tel: 01-4763801.