The farming of the future:The first conference in Ireland to look at the broad area of environmentally sustainable farming goes ahead next month. Farming for Conservation - Supporting the Future provides an opportunity for debate and discussion on the future of farming for conservation across Ireland and Europe.
Speakers from Sweden, France, Britain and Ireland will outline specific projects. The socio-economic implications (high labour input and limited returns); the role of the farming support organisation, Teagasc; and the future of agri-environmental schemes will all be discussed. The conference, which is organised by the Burrenlife Project, will take place in the Falls Hotel, Ennistymon, Co Clare from February 24th to 27th. Details on 065-7089000, e-mail info@burrenlife.com, www.burrenlife.com.
Meanwhile, Dr Brendan Dunford and others from the Burrenlife Project will give a public talk on its nature conservation work on Tuesday at 7.30pm in the European Parliament Information Offices, 43 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2. Admission free.
Keep farm buildings beautiful
Drive down any rural road in Ireland and you'll come across farmhouses or farm buildings in ruins. The countryside has become awash with new houses over the past 10 years, but the number of restored and revitalised farmhouses and farm buildings remain tiny in comparison. Reusing Farm Buildings is a new publication from Kildare County Council, which aims to inspire sensitive restoration of such buildings throughout the country.
The book looks at best practice in repair and retention, with detailed case studies and notes on conservation guidelines. It is available from Kildare County Council for €20, 045-980200.
Mulch mats prove effective
Mulch mats are as effective as herbicides for suppressing weeds, according to a new study by researchers at the Waterford Institute of Technology. The team, led by Dr Nick McCarthy, tested a range of materials over two years at forest sites in the south and southeast. Results from the trials found that the mats control vegetation and allow the trees to get well established. Currently, the mulch mats are more expensive than herbicides, so further research is needed to find a more cost-effective form of production. Meanwhile, demand for alternatives to herbicides continue as part of increased environmental awareness and requirements of forest certification processes.
To order a copy of the full report, contact the National Council for Forest Research and Development (Coford) on 01-2130725, e-mail info@coford.ie.
Climate change, venue change
Finally, there has been a change of venue for the Environmental Protection Agency lecture series on climate change. Next Tuesday's lecture by Dr Eric Wolff from the British Antarctic Survey will be held in the Round Room of the Mansion House, Dawson Street, Dublin 2.
For full details of subsequent lectures, visit www.epa.ie/news/events or call 01-2898533. Admission is free but advanced booking is essential.
EcoWeb
www.discoveryprogramme.ie
Find out more about the archaeological research institution on this website. Also includes information for volunteers who would like to join an excavation this summer.