Horizons

Those mystical lakes: Ireland's changeable climate often imbues our inland lakes with a magical, mystical atmosphere as their ill-defined shape and size remains hidden by misty rain and their gentle waters lap quietly up to sometimes dangerous marshy edges.

The Western Lakes - Lough Conn, Cullin, Carra, Mask and Corrib - are of particular significance both for their natural beauty and their value as a tourist attraction. For these reasons, a conference in the Galway Mayo Institute of Technology on June 25th-27th will explore ways to best manage and preserve the heritage and ecology of these lakes. The aim of the three-day event is to provide an initial discussion of the problems facing the lakes and their catchment areas. Keynote speakers including David Cabot, author of Ireland, A Natural History, Martin McGarrigle from the Environmental Protection Agency in Castlebar, Co Mayo, and Vincent Roche from the North Western Regional Fisheries Board, will address subjects such as water quality, the danger of zebra mussels, the impact of changing agricultural practices and planning issues. See also www.greatwesternlakes.org

Archaeological treasures

The summer solstice on Sunday next seems a particularly apt time to celebrate archaeology and it is no coincidence that the Environment and Heritage Services in Northern Ireland has chosen next weekend to commemorate its archaeological treasures. Events in the three-day programme include visits to the excavations and reconstruction of the 17th-century Castle Gardens in Lisburn (Saturday to Monday, pre-booking essential, 048-92663377); a tour of the maritime archaeology of the north coast, including a visit to Dunluce Castle (Saturday, pre-booking essential, 048-70823600); and a tour of the historic monuments of South Armagh (pre-booking, 048-30868183). Many of the county museums will also have special activities next Saturday. Details at www.ehsni.gov.uk

Preserving ancient trees

The small but committed group who run Ancient Tree Forum Ireland have organised two free public events this summer. As their work principally focuses on the preservation of ancient trees, the outings will be to places where restoration work is ongoing. The first trips on Saturday and Sunday next are to Belvoir Park, a walled 18th-century demesne within Belfast city with an impressive number of ancient oaks. The second trip is to Brittas Estate, Nobber, Co Meath on Saturday, July 10th. This private estate has an unusual stand of ancient lime trees which were planted in military formation to commemorate a battle between the French and the English. To book or to be added to the ATFI mailing list, contact Kate Crane on cranoggin@eircom.net

Green Festival North West

The Organic Centre in Rossinver, Co Leitrim is currently seeking interesting proposals for inclusion in its Green Festival North West this year. The second annual festival will take place from September 17th-26th. To get involved, contact Hans Wieland at 071-9854338. Meanwhile, the organic cafe at the Organic Centre is now open to the public at weekends.