HORIZONS

Protecting our plantsThe National Biodiversity Data Centre is holding its second annual recorders' event on August 26th and 27th in the Waterford Manor Hotel, Killotteran, Co. Waterford.

The event will focus on documenting, tracking and protecting Ireland's flora, with sessions on botanical recording and plant identification. Dr Peter Wyse Jackson from the National Botanic Gardens will give the keynote address on the potential impact of climate change on native plants. Dr Mathew Jebb, also from the National Botanic Gardens, will talk about the National Strategy for Plant Conservation, which is due to be completed by 2010. A training course for young wildlife enthusiasts will take place at the National Biodiversity Data Centre, Waterford Institute of Technology on Tuesday, August 26th, from 10.45am-2pm. Booking for both events closes on Wednesday. Tel: 051-306240; www.biodiversityireland.ie.

Sea urchins need your help

The Clare Biodiversity Group is carrying out its first marine-based survey looking specifically at the Purple Sea Urchin population. This striking sea creature is thought to be under threat from over-fishing. A marine invertebrate species, it is found mainly in rock pools on the west coast of Ireland and particularly in Co Clare. People interested in taking part in the survey can get leaflets at diving centres and tourist information points throughout Co Clare. Survey leaflets can be obtained from the Clare Biological Records Centre, Clare County Council, New Road, Ennis, Co Clare. Tel: 065-6846499, www.clarebiodiversity.ie.

Spreading the green message

Environmental campaigners have become increasing prominent at rock concerts and summer festivals. Next weekend's Festival of World Cultures in Dun Laoghaire features an earth environmental fair in Dun Laoghaire County Hall. The fair will include stands on green building, children's workshops on bird feeding and gardening for bees, as well as an ecocar. Conor Murphy from the National University of Ireland at Maynooth's Irish Climate Analysis unit and Niamh Garvey from Trocaire Global Climate Change Campaign are among this year's speakers. (See www.festivalofworldcultures.com.) Meanwhile, the Global Green at the Electric Picnic music festival in Stradbally, Co Laois, August 29th-31st, will be the place to catch environmentally themed films, debates and exhibits. www.cultivate.ie.

Environmental degree

University College Cork has introduced a new part-time BSc in Environmental Management, beginning next month. The four-year programme aims to provide practical training in all aspects of the environment, with a view to working in industry, local authorities and government agencies, environmental consultancy and education. Entry is open to mature students only. An open evening takes place on Tuesday at 7.30pm in the Enterprise Centre, UCC, Distillery Fields, North Mall Campus, Cork. Tel: 021-4902371, www.ucc.ie.

Stepping back in time

The Rathmichael Historical Society is holding its 34th summer series of evening lectures next week. The talks include A Day in the Life of an Irish Medieval Town and The Role of Women in Medieval Ireland and take place in Rathmichael School, Stonebridge Road, Shankill, Co. Dublin, from Monday to Friday. Tel: 01-2853960.