Horizons

Environmental events from around the country

Castles open up

"Family Connections" is the title of a fascinating series of events held in eight State-owned castles and historic houses throughout September and October. The free talks and performances take a close-up look at the families who lived in these buildings and celebrate the music of the time. For instance, tomorrow's talk in the Heywood Gardens, Ballinakill, Co Laois will include excerpts from the plans of original owner, Frederick Trench, to create a romantic landscape in Co Laois, while on Tuesday at 8pm in Maynooth Castle, Co Kildare, former taoiseach,

Dr Garret Fitzgerald, the Knight of Glin, Desmond Fitzgerald, and Irish Times journalist and author, Renagh Holohan, will provide some insight into the governing style of Garret Mór FitzGerald, the lord deputy of Ireland in the 15th century.

In Rathfarnham Castle, Dr John Hegarty, provost of Trinity College Dublin, will be joined by Simon Loftus, a descendant of the original owner of the castle, on Thursday, September 22nd, and wildlife documentary maker, Eamon de Buitléar and local historian Tony Butler will look at the Butler connections to the Main Guard in Clonmel, Co Tipperary on Friday, September 23rd. Subsequent events take place in Castletown, Co Kildare; The Glebe House, Churchill, Letterkenny, Co Donegal; Roscrea Castle, Co Tipperary and Emo Court, Co Laois. To book call 01-6476586 or e-mail Catherine.oconnor@opw.ie.

Walks in Lissadell

"The orchards are being pruned. Garden paths have been rediscovered and reopened. Hay has been cut for the first time in 50 years and rare breeds of cattle graze the meadows." So say Constance Cassidy and Edward Walsh, the new owners of Lissadell House in Co Sligo, who are opening up the estate to the public tomorrow and on Saturday, October 15th from 10am-5.30pm. There will be opportunities to observe restoration work on the walled-in gardens, go on guided tours of woodland walks and walk through the famed Alpine Garden by the seashore. Plants, organic produce, local crafts and food will be for sale. Admission free. Contact 071-9163150.

Course on sustainability

Organic farms support 32 per cent more birds, 35 per cent more bats and over 100 per cent more plants within cropped areas, according to a survey by the British Trust for Ornithology and other wildlife organisations in England. "This is the most comprehensive study of biodiversity on organic farms in Britain and confirms the positive findings of all previous small-scale studies," said a spokesman for the Soil Association of Britain.

Incorporating sustainability principles into political and economic practices is seen by more and more people as the most important challenge of the 21st century. However, to do so requires a fundamental change in how we perceive our relationship with each other, the world and the planet.

A new 10-week course offers insights into what issues lie at the heart of sustainable development. Starting next Thursday, and running weekly from 7.30pm-9pm in the Cultivate Centre, 15-19 Essex Street West, Dublin, it begins on Thursday. Cost €140 (concessions available). Contact 01-6746415 for details. www.trees.org.uk

The website of the Arboricultural Association of Britain is an excellent source for planting and looking after trees. Of particular value to local heritage groups and tidy town committees.