Wonder of wetlands: "Wetlands are unclaimed lands used by birds," is a common perception of wetlands, and the fact that mudflats, meadows and reedbeds are essential to prevent flash flooding is virtually unknown, according to CoastWatch.
However, the Wexford Wetland Project, run by CoastWatch and Wexford County Council, has raised awareness and discovered that the county has 25 different types of wetland. The inventory is online at www.wexfordwetlands.org. On World Wetland Day, Sunday, February 2nd, CoastWatch is asking people to sketch or photograph their local wetland. There will also be a one-day workshop/exhibition in ENFO, St Andrews Street, Dublin, (date to be confirmed, see website for details) where you can bring images and experts will identify the type of wetland, the resident plants, animals and any oddities. It is also going to publish a legal guide telling people how to prevent illegal landfills of wetlands. For more details: www.coastwatcheurope.org Tel: 055-25843. E-mail: dubsky@iol.ie
Checking woods for trees
Coford and the Forest Service are establishing a national catalogue of native seeds. They would like to include seeds from privately owned woodland and invite anyone with a native/semi-natural woodland to contact: Woodlands of Ireland, c/o The Tree Council of Ireland, Cabinteely, Dublin 18. Tel: 01-2849329.
Bird threat in NZ
Bird sanctuaries in New Zealand may be under threat from "ecological terrorists". Anonymous letters sent to animal conservation authorities claimed 11 possums had been released at the Kapiti Island bird sanctuary, the first island in New Zealand to be cleared of all bird predators, including possums. Hunters, opposed to plans to eradicate wapiti deer from the Fiordland forests of New Zealand's South Island, are being blamed for the threats. To support BirdWatch Ireland, test your general knowledge at its annual table quiz on January 31st at 8.30 p.m. at Skerries Sailing Club, Co Dublin.
Organic education
The Organic Centre in Rossinver, Co Leitrim, has expanded its programme - courses for 2003 range from pottery, spinning and wine-making to permaculture, poultry-keeping and organic landscaping. Courses for February include green building and planting a small woodland. This year, more courses are being held at Airfield House in Dundrum, Dublin, including city gardening, the magical use of herbs and mushroom hunting, beginning with basket-making on February 8th and 9th. See www.theorganiccentre.ie or tel: 071-9854338.
Earthy celebration
Passion for the Earth, a celebration to mark the beginning of Spring, is being held by Forest Friends Ireland/Cáirde na Coille in the Mansion House, Dawson Street, Dublin, on January 31st, from 7.30 p.m. Performances include music from the Rain Forest of West Papua, and from the Clontarf branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóiri Eireann. More details: 01-8325415/ www.cairdenacoille.org