Horizons

Protecting the farmers' marketFarmers' markets are a growing phenomenon across the country as more and more people search for local, organically produced food.

However, there are concerns that some food sold in farmers' markets isn't all it claims to be. Ireland's first farmers' markets conference, titled "Food Fad or Food Future?", will take place on July 2nd in the Radisson SAS Hotel, Athlone, Co Westmeath and will address issues of quality, integrity and accountability at farmers' markets. It will also look at what makes farmers' markets successful and sustainable. Speakers will include Gareth Jones from the Farmers' Retail and Markets Association and Darina Allen. The conference is organised by the Rural Food Company Training Network and the Western Organic Network in association with Comhar Leader na hÉireann. Call 071-9640688 or see www.westernorganicnetwork.com

BBC to the rescue

Some scientists suggest that up to a quarter of animal species could be extinct by 2050. So says Sir David Attenborough, introducing the new 11-part BBC television series, Saving Planet Earth, which begins Sunday, June 24th. The series is accompanied by a book, Saving Planet Earth, by naturalist Tony Juniper (Collins). All royalties from sales of the book will go to the BBC Wildlife Fund. The BBC will also host a live three-hour-long fundraising programme on July 6th.

Caring for the canals

The pathways along canals and rivers in Ireland have been a long-neglected amenity for local people and tourists alike. A Heritage Council seminar next Wednesday in the Tullamore Court Hotel, Tullamore, Co Offaly aims to revive interest in these often beautiful, calm walkways. Plans for towpath restoration is pertinent with the restoration of the Royal Canal almost complete, increasing usage of the Grand Canal and the Barrow river and the restoration of the Ulster Canal in the pipeline. Eileen McKeever will discuss the regeneration of the Thames navigation, Steven Patterson will talk about cycling and walking towpaths of the Lagan and Newry canals, while Eanna Rowe from Waterways Ireland will look at what's currently happening in Ireland. Booking and details on 056-7770777.

Gearing up for Heritage Week

Meanwhile, the Heritage Council is calling on all individuals and groups to register events for Heritage Week 2007 (August 25th to September 2nd) on www.heritageweek.ie before June 22nd. Registered events will get free promotion on the website and in the official Heritage Week guide. Call 1850-200878 for more information.

One hike to lead them all

Eco-Unesco, the youth environmental education organisation, is holding woodland treasure hikes in the Phoenix Park on June 19th and July 10th. Based on Lord of the Rings and its characters, the hikes will give participants a chance to explore woodlands in a fun way. Training courses for youth leaders, also in Phoenix Park, will go ahead on July 20th and July 11th. Booking on 01-6625491 or see www.ecounesco.ie

EcoWeb 

www.cites.org

Check out this site for up-to-date briefings from international meetings of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora in the Hague, Holland, earlier this week.