Horizons

The forestry company Coillte celebrates its recent success in gaining the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification in the current issue of Releafing Ireland magazine. "Achievement of certification means that Irish forest companies supplied with Coillte products will be able to carry the FSC eco-label on their goods, thus providing consumers with an assurance that the timber they buy comes from well-managed forests," writes Gerry Egan, head of public affairs at Coillte. However, environmental groups including An Taisce and VOICE (Voice Of Irish Concern for the Environment) believe there are outstanding issues that Coillte should have addressed before getting such a prestigious global award.

Tony Lowes, chairman of the natural environment committee of An Taisce, says: "It is a great step forward which should enable us to enforce higher standards, but we are concerned that the certification inspection was not comprehensive."

Lowes mentions four areas of concern. "Firstly, Coillte are doing 9,000 hectares a year of restocking with a 2 per cent planting rate of broadleaf. That's set against the national target of 30 per cent. Secondly, there has been 1,500 hectares of seed stands EU recognised standards for seeds used for forestry felled without felling licences. Thirdly, the extraction of timber from forests is having an impact on small roads; and fourthly - and this is a large issue - we believe the recent Government guidelines that 15 per cent of each plantation is devoted to biodiversity (such as rvaluable habitats and other natural features) are not being met."

Jacinta French, forests policy officer of VOICE, adds: "We believe that SGS Qualifor, the certification body working on behalf of the FSC, over-relied on interim standards that haven't been endorsed by the FSC in giving Coillte the FSC certification."

The Organic Centre in Rossinver, Co Leitrim is holding an open day tomorrow. There will be guided tours of the demonstration gardens, which include a vegetable garden, a heritage garden, a kitchen garden, a children's garden, a taste area, a seed-saving area and a new compost demonstration area. Experts on composting, pest and disease control in organic gardens and training in organic horticulture will give talks throughout the day (072-54338 or www.theorganiccentre.ie for further details).

At a time when suburban sprawl has reached far into the counties around Dublin, it is perhaps a little late to be looking at the topic of higher-density housing. But an exhibition entitled "The New Housing" has just opened at the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland, 8 Merrion Square, Dublin 2, and portrays a positive image of higher-density housing. Its aim is to show how quality developments can incorporate higher-density housing without detracting from the accommodation and the layout.

How architects can wean Irish people off the desire to have a front and back garden will be one of the biggest challenges they face. "The New Housing" opens on Monday and runs until September 7th; admission is free. Opening hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday (01-6761703 for details).