Restoration eco-drama

Horizons:A new information hub for individuals, community groups, businesses and government agencies keen to find out more about ecological restoration was launched earlier this month.

The Global Restoration Network (www.globalrestorationnetwork.org) is a free online resource which includes a huge database of case studies, volunteer opportunities, funding organisations, government policies and expert advice from around the world. The website was set up by the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) with the aim to "make it easier for people to create sustainable restorations and stop wasting time, money and energy reinventing the wheel". The website has been endorsed by the World Conservation Union, the Convention on Biological Diversity and the International Union of Forest Research Organisations. Founded in 1988, the mission of SER is to re-establish "an ecologically healthy relationship between nature and culture".

Zero carbon, maximum impact

Check out the current issue of Construct Ireland to view a truly striking building which is also possibly the most sustainable building in the world at present. The headquarters of the World Wide Fund for Nature's Netherlands chapter is the world's first zero-carbon building whose central "blob" is clad with tinted slates made from baked river clay. The building is naturally ventilated and its electricity and hot water supplies are powered by solar energy. A backup biomass system is also in place. See  www.constructireland.iefor more details and images.

We're going on an egg hunt

The Bog of Allen Nature Centre in Co Kildare is holding an Easter camp for seven to 13-year-olds on Thursday, April 5th, from 10am to 1pm. Activities on the day will include pond dipping, froggy crafts and a frog search. Cost €15 per child. Booking on tel: 045-860133. The centre will reopen for school visits and special interest tours on April 2nd.

Meanwhile, there will be an Easter egg hunt, nature walks and storytelling sessions at the Airfield Trust, Upper Kilmacud Road, Dundrum, Dublin, on Saturday, April 7th from noon to 4pm. Cost €10 adults, €5 children. On the same day, Declan Doogue of the Dublin Naturalists Field Club will continue his exploration of spring with young naturalists at 10am. Tel: 01-2984301 for more details.

Spread your wings

As adult butterflies begin to emerge from their chrysalis and come outdoors, the timing of Bob Aldwell's talk on butterflies of Ireland is perfect. Aldwell will speak about common species of butterflies in Ireland at the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin on Thursday at 8pm. He will also discuss the butterfly recording project in Co Donegal which he organised recently. On Wednesday, April 4th at 3pm, Glynn Anderson, a guide at the National Botanic Gardens will give a talk on the history and folklore of the birds there. Admission to both is free.

Meanwhile, today at 2pm, there will be a sustainable gardening workshop for beginners at the National Botanic Gardens site in Kilmacurragh, Co Wicklow. Tel: 01-8570909 for more details.

EcoWeb

[  www.transitiontowns.org ]

The aim of this site is to be a focal point for all towns, villages, cities and communities that are self-organising for an energy-lean future. Includes information on Ireland's only transition town to date, Kinsale, Co Cork.