Doctors of compost: Teaching second-level students the science of composting is the latest idea for spreading the word about this green, clean way to dispose of organic household refuse.
Students in five secondary schools in Co Clare are currently training to be "composting doctors". After qualifying from an innovative hands-on course co-ordinated by the Organic Centre in Rossinver, Co Roscommon, these young people will run composting clinics in their areas. Participating schools in Shannon, Killaloe, Tulla, Scariff and Kilmihil will also be setting up composting sites in their localities. Contact Hans Wieland at the Organic Centre (tel: 071-9854338) for more details.
Laying the foundation: Ireland's first foundation course in applied environmental studies is set to welcome its first intake of students in September. It is planned that the full-time course at Liberties College, Bull Alley Street, Dublin 8 will enrol up to 25 post-Leaving Cert students, and mature students are also welcome to apply. Aimed at those keen to pursue third-level degree and diploma courses in environmental studies, the course includes lectures, laboratory work and placements in environmental agencies. It costs €190, and interviews will be held in April and May. For further details, tel: 01-4540044.
The buzz on landmines: Scientists at the University of Montana may help solve the problem of unexploded landmines by using bees. Researchers have found that bees have a near-perfect record of finding simulated landmines. According to a report in the current issue of Wild Ireland magazine, bees will be trained to recognise the smell of TNT and associate it with food. The explosive routinely seeps from landmines into surrounding plant life. The bees are then equipped with tiny radio frequency tags which are used as tracking devices by the researchers.
Trees to the fore: Concerned about an old tree in your locality? If so, the Ancient Tree Forum of Ireland may be able to help. Launched last year, the association is dedicated to the preservation of ancient trees. "Generally, we believe that [many deciduous] trees spend 300 years growing, 300 years living and 300 years dying," says Kate Crane of the ATFI. Enthusiasts for ancient trees stress their role as specialised wildlife habitats as well as their historical and aesthetic value to the landscape. For more information, e-mail Kate Crane at cranoggin@eircom.net
Reading the landscape: How we interpret landscape and the cultural value we give certain landscapes is the theme of a free public lecture at the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland, 8 Merrion Square, Dublin 2 on Wednesday, April 9th at 6.30 p.m. Landscape architects Terry O'Regan and Michael Cregan will discuss the importance of enhancing natural landscapes and creating others within the development of business parks and community spaces. For more details, tel: 01-7037031.