Dramatic environment: Getting the environmental message across through drama is the aim of Not In My Backyard, a new show from final year students of the performance course in Liberties College, Dublin.
The cast and crew are touring schools over the next few months, giving performances and workshops to transition year students. "Our goal is not merely to hand out information; it is also to inspire our audiences to seek more knowledge and understanding through a renewed sense of wonder and excitement about the world," says Paula Greevy, director of the show. The play explores waste prevention, re-use, recycling, litter management and sustainability. The workshops encourage students to contribute their own views through discussion and role-play. Interested schools should contact Derval Mellett on Tel: 087-9894881 or e-mail nimbyprod@yahoo.ie
Raven conservation: Interested in getting dirt under your nails for an environmental cause? Conservation Volunteers Ireland are currently seeking volunteers to join them in a conservation project in the Raven Nature Reserve, Co Wexford. The project involves constructing posts and wire fences around ponds in which the rare natterjack toads live. No previous experience is necessary and CVI provides tools, training and supervision during the five-day project beginning on November 1st. For those staying the five days, there is a cost of €60 for transport, accommodation and food.
Meanwhile, An Óige and CVI are joining forces to collect seeds and clean up the bank of the River Dargle in the Glencree Valley on Saturday next. Volunteers should meet at the Knockree Hostel at 10 a.m. Wear warm, weatherproof clothes and hiking boots. Tel: 01-4952878 or e-mail info@cvi.ie for details on both projects.
Attic for your love: Architect and broadcaster Duncan Stewart gives builders and developers of new houses a telling-off in the current issue of Construct Ireland. In an article on attic conversions, he bemoans the fact that many new houses don't have attic spaces that can later be converted to a room. "Building new houses in such a way that the attic can be converted adds only minor costs . . . providing the headroom, floor structure and somewhere for a stairs to go up later that can be designed to comply with fire regulations are basic things that are missed out in house building all the time," he writes. Stewart argues that from a sustainability point of view, we need to provide houses that can adapt over time and accommodate the needs of families. See www.constructireland.ie
Whale and dolphin soundings: If you are near Letterfrack, Co Galway, today, you can join in the land-based whale and dolphin recording (weather permitting) organised by Simon Berrow and Jim Wilson of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group. The event is organised as part of Connemara Sea Week, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Tel: 095-43443 for details. See also www.iwdg.ie