Principles of permaculture If you're burning (in a non-polluting way) to know more about ecological self-sufficiency, enrol in the Introduction to Permaculture course offered by Cultivate. Featuring Graham Strouts, author and permaculture teacher at the Kinsale Further Education College, the course will inform about ethics and the principles of permaculture, the home garden, trees and woodlands and community responses to peak oil and resource depletion.
Participants will also get hands-on experience in the "instant mulched garden" as well as a design exercise. The course runs from Friday 28th to Sunday, July 30th, with an open lecture given by Strouts on Thursday at 8pm in Cloughjordan Parish Hall; donations requested. Course fees: camping €150, dormitory €175, or €100/€150 for Village and Cultivate members and students; fee includes course materials, two meals a day and three nights' accommodation. Tel: 01-6746396 for more information or visit www.cultivate.ie
Flower remedies
Yes, they're pretty, but many wildflowers and plants can also be useful in the house and as medicines. During a day-long workshop with Judith Hoad, you can learn to identify these helpful plants on a rummage through the grounds of Tulough Park House in Castlebar, Co Mayo. Hoad will also demonstrate how to make infusions, decoction, tinctures, medicated oils and ointments. Tel:094-9031751, free but booking essential.
Inishowen ecofest
Last year's Inishowen Summer Gathering was so popular they're holding it again this weekend, this time at Caratra, Culdaff. Events include a demonstration of Russian buckwheat cooking; talks on building with natural materials;nature walks and concerts. You can also get organic vegetarian food, barbecued meats and smoothies and crepes, organic cotton, ecological nappies and hand-crafted gift items. Children can try circle dancing, flower-painting and Japanese kite-making. Information: www.inishowensummergathering.com
Phones fund conservation
The deadline for the Vodafone and Conservation Volunteers Ireland Nature Fund has been extended to July 31st. The fund aims to support locally-based, sustainable environmental projects that have a positive impact on the community. The projects will be funded from the recycling of mobile phone handsets. NGOs, charities community groups, local authorities, residents' associations and individuals are invited to apply. Tel: 087-7780238 for more information or visit www.cvi.ie
Know your compost
Composting not only helps recycle usable vegetable matter, it also saves money on waste disposal - and gives your garden a multi-vitamin and mineral boost. To find out more about your compost, bring your questions (and samples) to the Complete Compost Clinic at Airfield, Dundrum, where organic horticulturalist Brenda Palmer can give you advice. Free workshop on Saturday July 29th, but booking recommended. Tel: 01-2984301
EcoWeb
www.antaisce.org/projects/blueflag.html
Choose one of the many clean Irish beaches listed by the international Blue Flag Campaign, which awarded flags to 81 Irish beaches and three Irish marinas. Irish blue-flag beaches are now included in the Good Beach Guide 2006.