Brollies to highlight folliesAs the incoming government puts the final touches to its policies, a coalition of development and environmental non-governmental organisations is creating a public spectacle tomorrow to emphasise the importance of taking political action on climate change.
The Stop Climate Chaos coalition is hosting Umbrella Action Day, beginning at 3pm tomorrow at the Martello Tower on Sandymount Strand, Dublin. The event - which will involve a symbolic choreographed opening of umbrellas to the sounds of the Beach Boys' Wouldn't it Be Nice - is intended to highlight the importance of reducing carbon emissions to create a cleaner world now and in the future.
All are welcome, but don't forget to bring along your umbrella. More details can be found at www.stopclimatechaos.ie.
Showing off our heritage
Our Heritage: A Shared Inheritance is the title of the current exhibition at Enfo, 17 St Andrew Street, Dublin 2. Mounted by the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, the range of images - from 18th-century prints to computer-generated images - highlights how we preserve, examine and illustrate our built heritage. A free workshop programme for school children aged between eight and 12 runs until the end of the exhibition on June 28th.
There are some places still available in the last two weeks of the workshop programme. More details from 01-8883911.
Lessons on the longest day
Interested in celebrating the summer solstice? If so, consider joining anthropologist and archaeology enthusiast Mary Quinlan in a workshop at the Gyreum Ecolodge, Castlebaldwin, Co Sligo.
On Thursday, June 21st, and Friday, June 22nd (with an option to rise for the very early dawn on June 22nd), she will lead participants in an exploration of Sligo's ancient and sacred sites and discover how our ancient ancestors lived, worked, played and prayed.
More details on 071-9643963 or visit www.gyreum.com.
Bringing birds to Castle Espie
Planning permission has been granted for a major wetland restoration project at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) at Castle Espie, Comber, Co Down. The restoration and improvement of the saltwater and freshwater habitats along the shores of Strangford Lough is central to the project. This work will encourage new species and greater numbers of waterbirds to feed, roost and breed at Castle Espie. A new ecologically sustainable visitor centre will be constructed.
James Orr, director of WWT in Northern Ireland, said: "This project is so important for Northern Ireland because it will demonstrate how birds, people and wetlands can be brought together for the benefit of everyone."
For a programme of the summer's events, visit www.org.uk/castleespie or call 048-91874146.
horizons@irish-times.ie
EcoWeb
www.livingstreets.org.uk
Check out this UK website and learn about the lively campaign to make streets more people-friendly and less dominated by traffic. There are plenty of ideas here for similar campaigns urgently required in Irish cities and towns.