Horizons

Irish environmentalists holidaying in mid-Wales, Cornwall, Leicester or Nottinghamshire this year can visit local eco-projects while they are there. The Centre for Alternative Technologies in mid-Wales (Machynlleth, Powys) is perhaps the best known. Set up in the 1970s as a radical outpost of alternative technologies, it is now a well-established educational centre, providing practical examples of wind, water and solar power. The on-site eco-friendly shop sells everything from organic bed linen and solar fountains to wind-up radios and natural paints. The centre is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (0044- 165-4702400).

Leicester, meanwhile, has been dubbed England's first green city. Its Eco House is an exhibition centre displaying energy-saving household devices. It is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. (0044- 116-2545489). Admission free.

The Eden Project, near St Austell, Cornwall, has the world's largest greenhouse. Its geodesic domes are an architectural wonder in themselves, but they also contain thousands of threatened species of plants, shrubs and trees from the rainforest. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (0044- 172-6811911).

Prospective eco-villagers in Ireland should check out the the Hockerton Housing Project in Nottinghamshire. The first earth-sheltered, self-sufficient housing development in Britain was built there five years ago.

The houses generate their own energy, harvest their water and recycle their waste without any pollution or carbon dioxide emmissions. Visitors are welcome one Saturday per month. Contact HHP, The Watershed, Gables Drive, Hockerton, Southwell, Notts NG25 0PQ (0044-163-6816902).

Wildlife enthusiasts visiting London over the next week can check out the annual exhibition of the Society of Wildlife Artists at The Mall Galleries (next door to the better-known ICA) in London SW1. There are more than 400 pieces on show by artists working in various media, including watercolour, pastel and oil.

Artists exhibiting include Bruce Pearson (president of the society), Keith Shackleton, Gary Hodges and sculptor Nick Mackman. Nik Pollard won this year's BBC Wildlife magazine art award for his painting of lapwings in flight (see below). All works are for sale. The exhibition continues until August 3rd (opening hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; admission £2.50/£1 concessions). For details, tel: 0044-207-9306844.

Today is World Nature Conservation Day. While Irish environmental groups don't organise public events for the day, "Horizons" has asked two prominent campaigners for some suggestions on how we can mark it.

"I'd urge people to act local, and make and put up a nest-box or bird table or plant a native tree - rowan, hazel or birch, for example - to encourage birds in the area. Urban gardens are very important habitats nowadays as agricultural land and the uplands are being destroyed," says Oran O'Sullivan, managing editor of Birdwatch Ireland (01-2804322; www.birdwatchireland.ie).

Lorraine Dufficey, campaign manager of the Irish Wildlife Trust, adds: "I would suggest people could mark the day by taking an active interest in wildlife conservation in Ireland. If you are not a current member of a wildlife organisation, make a resolution to join one today. Get involved. Our natural environment has never needed your support more." The Irish Wildlife Trust can be contacted on 01-6768588; www.iwt.ie

You may think that the common red ladybird with black spots is the only one in Ireland, but in fact there are 24 species in the Coccinellidae family, 18 of which are considered real ladybirds. Check out the photographs of ladybirds in the "Young Explorer" section of the latest issue of Wild Ireland magazine (www.wildireland.ie).

Here's something novel - a live environmental craft event where you can try your hand at making crafts from scrap paper and cloth, glass jars and old sticks and pieces of rope. It takes place today outside the Siamsa T∅re Theatre and Arts Centre in Tralee, Co Kerry. Held as part of the Samhla∅ocht arts festival, the event organisers are inviting members of the public to make hanging baskets, vases or even a thatched roof (now that sounds a bit ambitious) any time between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Admission is free, so there is nothing to lose except your pride.

While at the centre, check out the site-specific environmental sculpture by Cristophe Neumann. A veteran of environmental art, Neumann is also holding an environmental sculpture workshop today and tomorrow as part of the Samhla∅ocht festival (066-7129934; www.samhlaiocht.com)