Horizons

Fables in the fields:  Fields of Demeter: Seasons in the European Landscape is a documentary that explores the heritage and culture of landscape throughout Europe.

At a time when opposition to road building projects close to the Hill of Tara in Co Meath continue, it's interesting to see attention placed on protecting landscape heritage across Europe. The use of Demeter, the Greek goddess of agriculture, in the film's title invokes myths and stories from the past to protect our landscapes into the future.

The DVD was produced as part of the European Cultural Landscapes project, funded by the EU. The documentary itself was produced in co-operation with the National University of Ireland in Galway. For further information, see www.fieldsofdemeter.org, and check out ecl.cultland.org for wonderful images of landscapes across Europe and the stories they might tell.

Lecture on the global future

The Environmental Protection Agency lecture series on climate change continues on Tuesday, January 22nd at 6.30pm with a lecture by Dr Eric Wolff from the British Antarctic Survey.

Dr Wolff will speak about the evidence of climate change from polar science. The lecture will be held in the Royal College of Physicians, 6 Kildare Street, Dublin.

Subsequent lectures in the series will look at political and economic consequences and options and Ireland's response to climate change challenges and opportunities. See full details on www.epa.ie or e-mail info@claraclark.ie. Admission is free but advanced booking is essential.

Meet a meteorite

Have you ever wanted to touch or hold a real meteorite, a fragment of rock or metal from outer space? If so, go along to the Astronomy Ireland lecture on Monday at 8pm in the Physics Building, Trinity College Dublin.

The public talk will be given by Dr Ian Sanders, an expert in meteorites who studied in Cambridge University and has taught in the geology department of Trinity since 1971. Sanders will speak about the origin of meteorites and just how they end up falling to earth. Admission is €5. Advanced booking on 01-8470777. See also www.astronomy.ie

Avian cuisine tips

Birdwatch Ireland is encouraging people to leave food out for garden birds during harsh winter days. Wild bird seed, peanuts and sunflower seed is ideal bird food placed in wire or plastic feeders.

Apples, left on the lawn or speared on branches, are another good food source, as are kitchen scraps such as bacon rinds, cheese (particularly loved by robins), raisins, moistened bread, stale cake or cooked potatoes.

However, Birdwatch Ireland warns the public that birds should never be fed dried coconut, uncooked rice or dry bread. Fresh drinking water is also important but hard to find when ponds and puddles are frozen over. For further details on how to keep birds well fed in the winter months, see www.birdwatchireland.ie or call 01-2819878.