A heritage & habitat roundup
Exploring parklife
Helping children learn about habitats and plantlife is firmly on the agenda this summer. The Education Centre at Wicklow Mountains National Parkin Co Wicklow has a project starting on Thursday, July 9th – and from then on every Thursday in July and August – offering a series of nature-themed activities on flowers, birds, bugs, trees, bats and habitats. Telephone 0404 45656 for more or see wicklowmountainnationalpark.ie Meanwhile, Glenveagh National Parkin Co Donegal, right, will also host workshops for families on Fridays and Saturdays from 10.30am-4pm, starting on July 10th. See glenveaghnationalpark.ie or telephone 074 9137698 for more
Call for heritage education fund
Education is the way to protect our built heritage in the future, according to Dr Terence Dooley, director of the Centre for the Study of Historic Irish Houses and Estates. Speaking at the seventh annual Historic Houses of Ireland conference at NUI Maynooth yesterday, Dr Dooley suggested that all those interested in our built heritage should come together to fund an education officer whose job it would be to develop educational initiatives at primary and secondary level.
Architects of the future
One positive aspect of a recession is that it offers professionals time to reflect and learn more about their practice. A conference, entitled, Design, Quality in Architecture and Urban Design on Monday, June 29th in the Irish Architectural Archive may well serve that function for the many architects who have less work now than during the boom times. Organised by the International Network for Traditional Building, Architecture and Urbanism, it will include talks on preservation of character in adapting and extending traditional buildings, the use of natural materials in low energy new buildings and in renovation. See intbau.org for more or telephone 048-91450380
sthompson@irishtimes.com
Ecoweb
irishlandmark.com
Looking for somewhere more unusual to stay this summer? If so, check out the meticulously restored properties of the Irish Landmark Trust. The choice ranges from charming gate lodges to lighthouses in counties Clare, Cork and Wicklow
