Sir, – It is very satisfying to see that the Heritage and Habitat page(Weekend Review, Saturdays) has carried regular articles on nature conservation in recent weeks. Paddy Woodworth's analytical writing and obvious experience of the subject is the perfect complement to Michael Viney's timeless and lyrical descriptions of the natural environment. Nature conservation has long been the poor relation of heritage in Ireland. With climate change, habitat loss and species extinction accelerating each year, it is long overdue that The Irish Times gave regular coverage to these issues and to the efforts of many organisations and ordinary citizens to counter their serious effects. The topics covered by Woodworth – bog conservation by a local community in Abbeyleix, the enhancement of nature in the Tolka Valley by Dublin City Council and the launch by Coillte of a wilderness area in Co Mayo – are all positive contributions to bring the reality of a green island into line with the image that our Government agencies like to portray abroad. – Yours, etc,
RICHARD NAIRN,
Glanmore,
Ashford, Co Wicklow.