Alien weed threatens Galway: An African weed that has the potential to become an even bigger threat than the zebra mussel has been found in Lough Corrib, Co Galway.
The water weed (Lagarosiphon major), which is capable of occupying the full water depth, has taken over 26 acres of water at Rinneroon Bay, according to Irish Times angling correspondent Derek Evans. The weed, which can cause fish kills through oxygen depletion, is believed to have migrated into Irish water via ornamental garden ponds and through wind dispersal, boat movement, angling equipment and possibly wildfowl. Representatives from Galway County Council, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and fisheries boards have set up a task force whose aim it is to curb this invasive alien species. See www.cfb.ie or email info@cfb.ie for more information.
NI celebrates archaeology
Ever wondered what exactly happens at an archaeological dig or how houses were constructed in the past? These are just a sample of activities lined up this weekend at various venues in Northern Ireland to celebrate archaeology. Events include a free tour of the archaeological monuments on the Divis and Black mountains tomorrow from 1-4pm, prior to the National Trust opening the mountains to the public (booking on Tel: 048-90825434).
Also, medieval mayhem will unfold at Dunluce Castle tomorrow (Tel: 048-20731938) and at Carrickfergus Castle on Sunday, June 26th
(Tel: 048-93351273). For the full programme details, check www.ehsni.gov.uk.
Butterfly beholders wanted
Conservation Northern Ireland is looking for volunteers to monitor butterfly populations throughout Northern Ireland. To help establish a network of butterfly monitoring sites, the group is holding a free workshop in the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre, Oxford Island Nature Reserve, Lurgan, Co Armagh on Thursday from 10.30am-4pm. Booking essential (Tel: 048 90796979). See also www.butterfly-conservation.org.
Meanwhile, a little advance notice on Northern Ireland's biggest animal event, Animal Magic. Held on July 2nd and 3rd in Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust in Castle Espie, Co Down, the event offers plenty of close contact with animals such as llamas, hedgehogs, owls and even snakes, lizards and insects. See www.wwt.org.uk; Tel: 048-91874146.
Pool your natural resources
Learning how to build a pond in your garden to attract wildlife is the theme of a day-long workshop in Tinahely, Co Wicklow on Saturday next. Organised by the South Wicklow Countryside Awareness group, the workshop starts at 10am in the Tinahely Courthouse Cultural Centre. Meanwhile, two interesting lectures are coming up in the Education Centre, Upper Lake, Glendalough, Co Wicklow.
The first, entitled Bring Back the Woodpecker by Conor Kelleher, the president of the Irish Wildlife Trust, is on Thursday at 8pm. The second is on the Irish hare, by Dr Rebecca Jeffreys, Department of Environment on Thursday, June 30th at 8pm. Tel: 0404-45656.