Horizons

Restored woodlands:The restoration of native woodlands in Ireland was celebrated as Coillte presented the results of a four-year EU Life-funded project in Co Mayo this month.

The project involved the removal of exotic species such as conifers and the creation of condition to allow natural regeneration of native trees such as ash and birch on nine woodland sites throughout Ireland. “These are the jewels in the crown of Irish woodlands,” says Pat Neville, ecologist with Coillte. Three of the sites have been designated as demonstration sites for people to visit. These are Clonbur on the Galway/Mayo border, Hazelwood in Co Sligo and Cahir Park in Co Tipperary. See woodlandrestoration.ie for more details, including a free educational DVD on the woodland restoration project.

Dublin’s mayors

Leaders of the City? – the Dublin Mayoralty over Five Centuries is the theme of a seminar on Thursday in the Dublin City Library and Archives, 138-144 Pearse Street, Dublin 2. Throughout the day, historians will examine the life and times of Dublin mayors from the 16th century until the 1930s. These include Humphrey Jervis (1681-1683) who was dubbed the first property developer, Daniel O’Connell (1841-1842), who modernised Dublin’s civic government and the legendary lord mayor Alfie Byrne (1930-1939; right). Admission is free but booking is advised through griffithl@tcd.ie See also tcd.ie/CISS/dublinresearchgroup.php

Raptor raptures

Ireland’s first raptor conservation seminar will be held in the Burren Birds of Prey Centre, Ballyvaughan, Co Clare, next Saturday. The seminar will describe the reintroduction to Ireland of species such as the peregrine falcon. Dr Mark Ruddock from the Northern Ireland Raptor Study Group will speak about how such birds are monitored and how conservation programmes work. Dr Richard Cuthburt from the Royal Society for Protection of Birds will speak about missions to Asia to prevent the decline in vultures. The Burren Birds of Prey Centre, which has daily flight demonstrations, has the largest numbers of falcons, Harris hawks, American kestrels and white-tailed sea eagles in Ireland. Admission is free. Tel. 065-7077036 or see birdofpreycentre.com.

ECOWEB

energyquarter.ie

Launched this year, this user-friendly site offers homeowners clear information on renewable energy technologies, Building Energy Ratings and Sustainable Energy Ireland grants. Also, check out the free seminar in Co Meath on November 15th.