10 days to go...

30 / 09 / 10 Spot of lunch? A low-carbon lunch is probably the easiest thing you can do for 10:10:10. To prove just that, super-intern David hosted his very own low-carbon lunch at 10:10 HQ. Read his story here, and check out Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's take on the idea in the Guardian Weekend magazine on Saturday 9 October. Shared a shower? In the final lead-up to 10:10:10, we're working on a survey that will lift the lid on your eco-lifestyles. Please take a moment to fill it in – all completed surveys will go into a draw to win one of 10 bottles of 10:10 wine. Take the survey now Open Planet Ideas 10:10 partner Sony and WWF have teamed up to create Open Planet Ideas, a crowd-sourcing site which lets people collaborate on developing technologies to solve environmental problems. The best idea will be brought to life by Sony and WWF and open-sourced for everyone to use. For more on Sony's 10:10 effort, check out this blog from the chair of their sustainability leadership group.     Hi there. So, the countdown is on. Across the country – and the world – people are putting the finishing touches to their 10:10:10 plans – and some events have already begun! In Russia and Croatia, thousands of trees are waiting to be planted by kids from 10,000 schools, while in the UK low-carbon lunch dates have been pencilled into diaries across the land. Elsewhere, workers are preparing to make new friends out of old colleagues as they arrange to share their morning commute. Oh, and there's a gaggle of sumo wrestlers in Japan bracing themselves for an epic bout of saddlesore, as they'll be pedalling off to training in Tokyo on their bikes for the big day! Here at 10:10:10 HQ we're busier than ever, preparing to receive all your pictures and videos and telling the world about all the great stuff you're organising. 10:10 founder Franny Armstrong and Bill McKibben of 350.org will be in the building on Sunday 10 October, doing interviews about your carbon-cutting actions and lending a hand at 10:10:10 projects around London. The camera loves you – love it back On the big day, check in at 1010global.org to see what's happening worldwide, and don't forget to send pictures of what you're doing to photos@1010global.org. In the pics we not only want to see what you're doing, but also lots of smiling faces. The best pictures will be projected onto a high-profile London location on the night of 10:10:10 itself! More details on this very soon. Of course, no photo from the Day of Doing is complete without the 'doer' wearing a 10:10 Tag. They're almost sold out online but you can still pick them up at O2 shops across the uk. You can find your nearest store here. Stuck? Just call David Finally, if you're still searching for inspiration on what to do for 10:10:10 don't fret: David (pictured here with his delicious low-carbon pie) is available on the 10:10:10 hotline on 020 7383 9115 between now and the big day. Give him a call! Of course, you can still email him on day@1010global.org. Keep up the great work, Jonathan and the 10:10:10 team P.S. Our mini-movie, penned by Richard Curtis and starring the Spurs team and Gillian Anderson, is in the final stages of post-production. We'll let you know just as soon as it goes live. (Sorry for invading your inbox once again, but with so much good stuff happening, it'd be criminal to keep it a secret!)   91,674 PEOPLE 3,480 BUSINESSES 1,972 EDUCATION 2,208 ORGANISATIONS

{~J8732207016705043412436221910~}

Proposals to slash city centre driving limit to 30km/h

By Eoin English
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
DRAFT bylaws have been prepared to cut the speed limit in the heart of Cork city centre to just 30 kilometres an hour.

But city officials hope to avoid the controversy sparked by a similar move in Dublin by conducting a very focused round of public consultations.

They said there will be direct contact with groups like the Cork Business Association and Cork Chamber before the laws are adopted.

Officials say the reduced limits will allow the city derive the maximum benefit from the huge investment in public infrastructure in the city centre in recent years.

"Experience in the UK and mainland Europe has shown that this measure will add to the attractiveness of the city centre for visitors and shoppers," they said.

"The city centre speed zone will be signposted and combined with the newly improved public realm, the new speed limit will be mainly self-enforcing, particularly at busy shopping periods.

"The 30km/h speed limit will ensure that traffic speeds will be kept low even during off-peak periods so that high levels of pedestrian and cycling safety and comfort are maintained."

There are also proposals to adjust the speed limit on the South Ring Road following the construction of the Kinsale Road interchange, and to adjust the speed limits on the three major approach roads to the city – the Lower Glanmire Road (N8), the Commons Road (N20), and the South City Link (N27) – to "reflect the quality and capacity" of the roadways.

It is understood the speed limits will be staggered to allow motorists drive faster in certain areas.

The plan to reduce the city centre speed limit has been in the pipeline for years. But councillors were told, this week, that public consultation can finally begin after the Department of Transport released funding for new road signs.

The draft bylaws have already been agreed by the gardaí and the National Roads Authority.

The round of public consultation will be advertised in the coming weeks, and once the feedback is received, a report will be prepared for council before the limits are introduced.

Meanwhile, six city schools have also been selected to pilot a reduced speed limit zone project.

The limit will be reduced from 50km/h to 30km/h within a 500-metre radius of each school. It will be in force Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm, including school holiday periods.

The overall aim of the project is to encourage school children to walk or cycle to school.

If the pilot is successful, the scheme will be rolled out to all city schools, subject to funding.

Cllr John Buttimer (FG) welcomed the speed limit initiatives but said he has concerns about the school speed limit remaining in place during school holidays.

"These initiatives will only work if they meet the needs of all stakeholders," he said.

"We need wide engagement and focused consultation with the public so that we can get the right feedback from specific groups who may be affected by these proposals."



This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Read more: http://www.irishexaminer.ie/ireland/proposals-to-slash-city-centre-driving-limit-to-30kmh-132028.html#ixzz10vytvazN

Sustainable Clonakilty Conference

Dear all,

I would like to invite you on behalf of Sustainable Clonakilty to participate to the following conference and consultation workshop:

Transition to a Sustainable Energy Future - Empowering Rural Communities in Ireland
Friday, 22nd October 2010
Darrara Agricultural College, Clonakilty

Sustainable energy is a hot and fast moving topic. Across the globe and here in
Ireland, communities are mobilising themselves to move away from our fossil fuels
dependency by undertaking energy efficiency and renewable energy programmes. This
conference will address key challenges rural communities are facing in their transition
to a sustainable energy future, and look at ways to maximise natural opportunities to
overcome them. The conference proposes an exceptional panel of speakers who will
share their know-how and relate the experience of the communities they are working
with. It will be followed by a forum where Sustainable Clonakilty's Renewable Energy
Roadmap study will be presented and debated.

The event will be part of a week-long Energy Festival organised by Sustainable Clonakilty, see
http://www.sustainableclon.com/wb/wb/pages/energy-week-18-24th-october.php for details.

Tip of the day: Liftshare Week

Liftshare Week

The world's first ever Liftshare Week takes place from 4-8 October. It aims to encourage the public to discover the benefits of car-sharing. Find a car-share partner, and you could save hundreds of pounds a year, cut your carbon footprint, reduce your stress, and make your journeys more fun. Visit https://www.liftshare.com/uk/ Best Wishes, Rita @ Friends of the Earth

West Cork Development Partnership Autumn Training Courses

West Cork Development Partnership is planning on running the following courses over the coming months. If you would like to express an interest in taking part in any of these courses, please contact the Clonakilty Office at 023 8834035 or rion@wcdp.ie.   E-Worker/Tele-Worker Training   The objectives of this training programme will be to promote self-employment in West Cork through e-working and telecommuting. It will explore flexible work models for suitable local employers and develop portfolio work type/multipme income opportunities for participants. Modules will include Essential E-Working skills, Setting up a home office, Income generation and Developing an E-Work Business Plan.   Computer Training These Computer Training courses will be delivered in a mobile vehicle in rural areas and we would like to seek Expressions of Interest from COMMUNITY GROUPS based in rural areas who would like to host these classes. These training courses will cover beginner and intermediate levels.   Beginner Level EqualSkills is a fun, informal and uncomplicated introduction to computers and the Internet. It has been designed as a flexible learning programme that provides the ultimate introduction to basic computer skills. The aim of the programme is to make people feel comfortable using a computer, and to teach them the basic skills necessary to communicate using a computer.   Intermediate Level I-Cando is a lifestyle digital skills programme for everyone. The I-Cando course introduces participants to the basics of new technologies and helps learners in a practical and safe way. Modules include Getting Online, Digital Photography, Social Surfing and Sharing on the Web.   Community Development Training   The principle objective of the training programme will be to enhance and develop community and voluntary structures, with a particular emphasis on governance and project planning and development skills. Topics covered will include Leadership & Team Building, Board & Officer Roles and Responsibilities, finance and fundraising.    Tourism Training   The programme of courses are designed to meet the needs of tourism businesses in the West Cork region. Modules include Sales & Marketing, Environmental Management, Understanding Finance and West Cork Food Experience. This is also a requirement for accreditation to the West Cork Regional Branding Initiative, Fuchsia Brands.   Walking Group Leadership Training   It is also planned to run a Walking Group Leadership Course, for those who wish to guide walkers in West Cork. It will include technical competence (walking and route finding, navigation, hazards and emergency procedures and equipment), Group Management and the responsibilities of a Group Leader.   Create a 2nd Income for Farm Families   This is a training/coaching programme for farm families to address falling farm incomes in particular through the establishment of small businesses based on or off farm. Options for off-farm employment and further training will also be explored. On-farm proposals at the development stage will be facilitated through mentoring.   If you, your community group or someone you know would be interested in any of these courses, please contact us as soon as possible at 023 8834035 or rion@wcdp.ie.    Kind Regards,  The West Cork Development Partnership Team    W:   www.wcdp.ie T:     023 8834035 or 027 52266

Irish Wildlife Trust Press Release 28th Sept 2010

PRESS RELEASE

 

28th September, 2010 

 

Guide to Sustainable Seafood and Campaign to Reform the Common Fisheries Policy 

 

28,500 people call on EU Fisheries Commissioner to put environment first

 

On Monday September 13^th the Irish Wildlife Trust was among a delegation of European environmental groups that handed over 28,500 signatures to European Fisheries and Maritime Affairs Commissioner, Maria Damanaki, calling on her to prioritise the health of the marine environment in the reform of the European Union's Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).

 

"From all over Europe people are urging Commissioner Damanaki to conserve valuable marine habitats and ensure the economic vitality of vulnerable coastal communities," said Pádraic Fogarty, chairman of the Irish Wildlife Trust. "The Irish government must show strong leadership by putting the environment first in its negotiations for a reformed Common Fisheries Policy. This means following scientific advice and imposing strict criteria on those seeking access to fisheries resources. We must put the fish before the fishing to ensure that future generations can enjoy seafood as part of a health diet and that coastal communities will reverse their decline. "

 

The IWT, within the European coalition of environmental groups, OCEAN2012, is proposing that access to fishery resources be based on a set of transparent criteria for sustainable fishing, which must include:

·         More selective fishing methods, gears and practices that reduce unintentional catches of non-target species and lessen the impact on the marine environment;

·         Vessels and fishing methods that consume less energy per tonne of fish caught;

·         A good record of compliance with the rules of the CFP.

 

"The marine environment is a common good. It is in the public interest that activities which impact the state of marine fish stocks, and the larger ecosystem, are carefully managed," said Fogarty. "Under the reformed CFP, those who fish in the most sustainable way should be given priority access to fishing grounds."

 

To raise awareness of the link between what we eat and the health of our ocean the IWT has launched an on-line guide to seafood that presented the best available information on the state of the species and the techniques that are used to catch them. This can be found on www.iwt.ie .

 

ENDS

 

Contact:

For further information please contact Padraic Fogarty - IWT Chairman.

Ph: 01 860 2839 or E-mail: enquiries@iwt.ie

 

Notes to the Editor:

1. The Irish Wildlife Trust was founded in 1979 as a charitable conservation body. We provide the public with information about wildlife, run

education and training programs like SAC Watch and the Badger club, carry out habitat and species surveys like the IWT National Lizard Survey

and Newt Survey, campaign and lobby around biodiversity issues, restore natural habitats, consult with industry, agriculture and Local Authorities to

maintain our natural heritage and contribute to national and international forums for the protection of biodiversity. The IWT is a nationwide

organisation with a strong membership base, staff and Board of Directors, with branches in Dublin, Limerick, Waterford and Cork.

2. Details of  OCEAN2012 and its proposal for a reformed CFP can be found at www.OCEAN2012.eu

3. OCEAN2012 is an alliance of 88 organisations dedicated to transforming European Fisheries Policy to stop overfishing, end destructive fishing

practices and deliver fair and equitable use of healthy fish stocks.

OCEAN2012 was initiated, and is co-ordinated, by the Pew Environment Group, the conservation arm of The Pew Charitable Trusts, a non

governmental organisation working to end overfishing in the world´s oceans.

The steering group of OCEAN2012 is the Coalition for Fair Fisheries Arrangements (CFFA), Ecologistas en Acción, the Fisheries Secretariat

(FISH), nef (new economics foundation), the Pew Environment Group and Seas At Risk (SAR).

 

Conservation Letters - August issue online now

Conservation Letters

 

Free Access to all content until the end of 2010

Recommend to your library today. http://bit.ly/CLrecommend    

 

 

August issue is online – read it here for free:

www.conservationletters.com

 

 

Table of Contents

 

·         Resolving conflicts in fire management using decision theory: asset-protection versus biodiversity conservation (pages 215–223)

 

·         The natural environment is valuable but not infinitely valuable (pages 224–228)

 

·         Standards for documenting and monitoring bird reintroduction projects (pages 229–235)

 

·         Wildlife-friendly oil palm plantations fail to protect biodiversity effectively (pages 236–242)

 

·         An ounce of prevention: cost-effectiveness of coral reef rehabilitation relative to enforcement (pages 243–250)

 

·         Rural–urban migration brings conservation threats and opportunities to Amazonian watersheds (pages 251–259)

 

·         Importance of estimating dispersal for endangered bird management (pages 260–266)

 

·         Reducing threats to species: threat reversibility and links to industry (pages 267–276)

 

·         Commercializing bycatch can push a fishery beyond economic extinction (pages 277–285)

 

·         Mining and conservation: implications for Madagascar's littoral forests (pages 286–287)

 

·         The difficult road toward real-world engagement: conservation science and mining in southern Madagascar (pages 288–289)

 

 

 

Celebrate the International Year of Biodiversity by reading the Special Virtual Issue on Biodiversity from Conservation Letters http://bit.ly/CLbiodiversity    

 

 

Conservation Letters is a rapid communications journal publishing urgent research with the most significant implications for conservation interventions. This vital publication aims to communicate the most novel biological and social science research that will transform our perspective  on crucial issues that are relevant across borders. Access to Conservation Letters is imperative to all researchers and policy makers. Recommend to your library today. http://bit.ly/CLrecommend    

 

 

 

Community Powerdown Course Details

Hi Everyone,

We now have more details about dates, times and the venue for the Community Powerdown Course. 

It will run for ten weeks at 6-8pm on Mondays from 4th October till 13th December at the Carmelite Friary, Kinsale.

There are still some places available, so please get in touch asap if you're interested.

 

Best regards,

Klaus
klausharvey@gmail.com

Claiming Our Future registration now available on-line

CLAIMING OUR FUTURE Saturday October  30th: From 11am to 5pm The RDS,  Dublin  REGISTRATION NOW AVAILABLE ON-LINE claimingourfuture.ie

Our Ireland is at a critical point in its history. You can help turn the crisis around and create a positive future for us all   Claiming our Future is a unique event. It offers a chance for individual people, including members of trade unions, community organisations, environmental groups and other civil society organisations to not just talk about a better way – but to take new inspiring steps. It aims to foster a unity across civil society and to power a progressive movement to reshape Ireland's recovery and claim our social values. Claiming our Future will launch and mould that movement for an equal, sustainable and thriving Ireland. Already, individuals, communities and progressive groups from every corner of Ireland have begun to get involved. It's time to turn the despair and frustration into                                                                             positive and decisive action for real change.   For more information on your local convenor and to register for the event go to claimingourfuture.ie Please forward this information to anyone you think might be interested

Invitation to the Fifth Meeting of the Irish Environmental History Network

You are warmly invited to the Fifth Meeting of the Irish Environmental History Network

 

The Writer as Geographer:

Considering Literature, Landscape and Technology

 

by

Dr Charles Travis

 

5.00 p.m. – 7.00 p.m.

Wednesday, 22 September 2010

 

This lecture will be followed by the combined launch of Dr. Travis's new book, Literary Landscapes of Ireland: Geographies of Irish Stories, 1929-1946 (Mellen Press, New York) and the first public showing of A Digital Literary Atlas of Ireland, 1922-1949. The Atlas is the outcome of Dr. Travis's Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Digital Humanities with the Trinity Long Room Hub, and will be hosted on the research institute's website.

The book and atlas will be launched by Professor Patrick Duffy of NUI, Maynooth.

Dr Charles Travis is a lecturer in geography at NUI, Maynooth and a research associate of the Trinity Long Room Hub

 

Neill/Hoey Lecture Theatre

Trinity Long Room Hub Building

Fellows' Square

Trinity College Dublin

Dublin 2

Working with horses

This year's series of work horse courses will finish this October with two more courses.

2nd October 2010: How to train your work horse
This course aims at people who already have some experience in handling horses and would like to find out how to train a horse to work in garden, field and forestry.

16th October 2010: Introduction to working with horses
This course is for anyone with an interest in work horses and how to work with them in farming.

Please, contact bluedoor@eircom.net or see www.horsepowerinireland.com for more information or to book a place!

Sandra Schmid
www.horsepowerinireland.com

_,_._,___

Bantry House Country Courses

Bantry House Country Courses have launched their autumn schedule.

The centre is set within the idyllic grounds of Bantry House, Co. Cork, and offers a wide range of practical courses from beekeeping to vegetable growing. Course prices range form €80-100. This includes a full day with an experienced tutor, notes, lunch and home-made treats upon arrival!

Saturday 2nd Oct - Poultry Keeping
Sunday 3rd Oct - Seed Saving

Saturday 9th Oct - Vegetable Growing
Sunday 10th Oct - Willow Basketry

Saturday 16th Oct - Working Horses

To book, and for more infomation on other courses, please visit our website:

www.bantryhousecountrycourses.com

Comhar SDC Skills and Training Report Launch

Dear All,

Comhar SDC has launched its research report, 'Skills and Training for
a Green New Deal'. A copy of the full report is available online
www.comharsdc.ie.  Please feel free to forward this publication on to
interested colleagues.

Best Regards,

Eoin


Skills and Training for a Green New Deal

Sustainable development and the need to move towards becoming a
low-carbon and resource efficient society is an evolving area of policy
and of action by governments, industry, providers of education and
training and others. Internationally, while the topic is seen as being
of critical importance to future patterns of employment, policy-makers
are only starting to get to grips with the skills implications. This
report seeks to add to the evidence base by examining the role of the
skills and training sector in supporting a Green New Deal for Ireland.

The research addresses a number of key aspects related to the skills
agenda focused across a range of different policy areas. The analysis
includes providing a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the type
and volume of skills that may be required and the establishment of the
baseline situation in Ireland regarding the current provision of courses
and institutions involved in delivering skills and training in this
area. Based on this assessment an analysis is then carried out
identifying possible key skills gaps that may impede progress in our
attempts to transition towards becoming a more sustainable society. The
research also considers suitable policy options, financing mechanisms
and awareness raising activities for Ireland to develop best practice in
this area as well as providing guidance for future work in this field.

Hedgelaying

For your interest. For anyone interested in practical conservation work and would like to know more about hedgelaying and what it entails.
Also check out www.hedgelaying.ie

as a matter of interest theres courses in the art of hedgelaying run by nots(national organic training skillnet) on at the moment. Ive attached a link
http://www.nots.ie/courses.php

     

rx3 information network events - Cork

 

rx3  Information Network Events

21^st October: The Lifetime Lab, Cork

 

rx3, "rethink, recycle, remake" are hosting Information Network Events in the Autumn.

 

The events are designed to demonstrate how rx3 is working with the recycling sector and helping the development of the waste marketplace.

 

First event is to kick off in Cork in the Lifetime Lab where rx3 will communicate programme initiatives currently in development.

 

Attendees can hear case studies from indigenous companies working with recyclable resources and local recycling businesses are also being asked to exhibit.

 

The event will showcase exhibits from the recent rx3 student Trash to Cash Student competition and the winning work from the 60 Green Minutes competition will also be presented.

 

An Ask the Experts session on planning for sales success will be hosted by Sean Browne a highly experienced Mentor who specializes in SME start ups and grown projects. He will be also taking questions from the floor.

 

As creating links is an important part of the rx3 role, a business matchmaking session is also being hosted and rx3 will build an online network after the events to facilitate information exchange amongst interested parties.

 

These events are only running over one morning and are free to attend.

 

For more information please read attached leaflet and/or log onto www.rx3.ie  to register.

 

 

rx3 , a Department of the Environment initiative was established to improve recycling by developing markets in Ireland rather than relying on overseas markets.

 

 

 

Transforming Ireland Autumn series re-commences

Invitation to the first of the Autumn series of Transforming Ireland series, TCD-UCD Alliance, Fosters Place, College Green, Dublin 2 12:30-14:00 Thursday, September 16, 2010 Topics Low Energy Adaptable Homes, Ruth Collins and Tom Grey, Trinityhaus, TCD Passivhaus in Ireland, Vivienne Brophy and Paul Kenny, UCD School of Architecture, Landscape and Civil Engineering The Transforming Ireland series re-commences this coming Thursday September 16, 2010, and every Thursday thereafter at 12:30-14:00 until December. To register, please click here

Fwd: FP7-Environment National Information Day on the 6th October 2010 in Dublin

Dear All,

The EPA is organising an FP7-Environment National Information Day on the 6th October 2010 at the Hilton Dublin Airport Hotel.

You can view the draft programme for the event at: http://www.fp7ireland.com/DocumentView.aspx?WCI=htmView&WCU=DOCUM_PKEY=575

The aims of this year's event are to:

• Disseminate the contents of the current FP7 Environment calls
• Encourage networking
• Look forward to future calls & FP8

The following points will be covered:

• FP7-Environment Overview & Update
• How to involve new researchers
• Parallel Sessions:

• Climate Change & Earth Observations
• Cultural Heritage
• Water & Technologies

• Future calls & Research Gaps

To register, please use the Online Registration facility available at: http://www.fp7ireland.com/Events.aspx?WCI=htmEvent&WCU=EVENT_PKEY=155

 

If you are interested in doing a poster presentation, please contact fp7@epa.ie

 

Kind Regards

 

Alice

----------------------------------
Dr Alice Wemaere
STRIVE Section
FP7 Environment National Contact Point
Environmental Protection Agency
McCumiskey House, Richview
Clonskeagh Road - Dublin 14
Ireland
Tel: + 353 1 268 0146
Fax: + 353 1 268 0199

http://erc.epa.ie/safer:        SAFER-Data: Ireland's Environmental Research Data Archive
http://erc.epa.ie/nsdb:                 National Soil Database Archive
http://erc.epa.ie/fp7catalogue: Online Catalogue of Irish Expertise in Environmental Research

 

 

ESAI 2010 Photography Competition

Environmental Sciences Association of Ireland

2010 Photography Competition

 

"The Energy of Nature"

 

The Environmental Science Association of Ireland invites entries from interested individuals to participate in the fifth ESAI photography competition.

 

The theme for this year's competition is "The Energy of Nature". Entrants are encouraged to interpret the theme as they see fit.  

 

Entries are welcome from all amateur photographers and will be assessed on the basis of picture quality, composition and the appropriateness of the caption.

 

Please download the  Entry Form and Terms & Conditions from the ESAI website www.esaiweb.org

 

First prize:    €250 voucher for www.pixmania.ie sponsored by the Environmental Research Institute.

                        Professional framing of the winning entry  

                        One year membership of ESAI

                       

Two runners up will each receive a one year membership of ESAI.

 

Closing date is Friday December 31^st 2010.

 

The winner will be notified by email on Friday January 28^th 2011.

 

Biodiversity and Ecosystems Services Training Seminar, Sat 9th Oct, Dublin 8

The seminar will look at ecosystem services in Ireland including bogs, wetlands and freshwater fisheries resources;  European, national and local biodiversity policy and law; and biodiversity and water quality data sources.  A choice of afternoon field trips will reinforce some of the concepts of the day allow for discussion. 
 
The seminar will be of value to those involved in community and environmental initiatives who wish to strengthen their understanding of biodiversity and ecosystems services.  In particular the seminar is designed to suit Environment Pillar representatives on CDBs, SPCs, and Community Partnerships, representatives on WFD Advisory Councils, Community groups, educational initiatives, Community Gardening initiatives, and similar.
 
Speakers include Shirley Clerkin (Monaghan County Council Heritage Officer), Michael Ewing (Environmental Pillar of Social Partnership), Noel Mc Gloin (Fisheries Board), Siobhan Egan (Birdwatch Ireland) Andrew Jackson (legal expert), Sineád O Brien (Sustainable Water Network), and Anja Murray (An Taisce) as well as others yet to be confirmed.  To book on this training session, please email Abby on membership@antaisce.org   with "biodiversity" in the subject line.
 
The seminar will run from 9.30 am to 6pm.  A light lunch will be provided.  Please circulate this notice to anyone you think might be interested. 
With thanks
Anja
Anja Murray
Natural Environment Officer,

An Taisce - The National Trust for Ireland

An Taisce is a registered charity working for a better quality of life for all -for now and for future generations.  Join us in working for a better future for Ireland's environment.  Join online for only €45 per year: http://realex.antaisce.org/

New biology.ie!

I have just launched a new Biology.ie. The big new feature is the ability to attach Nature Notes to a sighting. Also the database can be searched without having to use the predefined surveys.

 

Maybe you can pass this around to the staff and anyone else you think might be interested.

Biology.ie's primary aim is to increase biodiversity awareness among the public. It's not expected to be used by professionals (who should use GIS) - but let you friends or people not professionally involved in the biological/environmental sciences know about it.

 

Cheers,

 

Paul

www.biology.ie

www.lichens.ie

www.naturecalendarireland.com

Nature's Web Newsletter Autumn 2010

 

Nature's Web Newsletter – Autumn 2010

 

www.naturesweb.ie

 

 

The Autumn 2010 Issue of the Nature's Web Newsletter, an exciting newsletter for children, has been posted on the web.

 

In this issue you'll find...

 

Bird Counting

Editor's Page: Red holly berries in June? Seafood Recipe

Bird Life: Bird Atlas 2007-2011

Aquatic Life: The Secret Life of Limpets...

Animal Life: The House Fly

Plant Life: Giant Rhubarb

All in a Day's Work: Brian Caffery - Bird Atlas Coordinator

Wordsearch: Nature's Web Autumn 2010

Colour In: Autumn Windfall

Learn More: Books/DVD for children; Useful Web Addresses

The World Around Us: "Foreign Correspondent" Michael Ludwig

Up Close: Gobies

Fun Page: How Much Did You Learn?, Nature Jokes

Conservation: Most Unwanted!

Special Feature: Fishy in a Bottle

Nature's Noticeboard

 

Pages are in pdf format (Adobe Reader). You can download each page individually, or the whole newsletter in one go.

 

Hope you enjoy it! 

 

If you do, we'd appreciate if you would pass on the link to family and friends. Thank you.

 

The newsletter is produced by Sherkin Island Marine Station, Sherkin Island, Co. Cork, Ireland www.sherkinmarine.ie and sponsored by PharmaChemical Ireland.

 

A Taste of West Cork - Can Ireland feed itself?

 

A Taste of West Cork Food Festival is starting next Saturday … with a Food Conference 'Food for the Future – Can Ireland Feed Itself?', with the opening address by Lord David Puttnam. That night there is a Gala Feast at the West Cork Hotel with guests of honour The Chinese Ambassador, His Excellency Liu Biwei and his wife, and the US Senior Commercial Officer, Stephen Anderson.

 

Conference costs €75 including lunch, and Gala dinner €50. Details of these and the week long Food Festival attached, or log on please to www.atasteofwestcork.com

 

Make a weekend or week of it in West Cork! Details of accommodation in the area can be seen on www.localcampus.com Carbery Campus.

 

 

 

News from Irish Environmental Network

Quick Links Contact IEN IEN website IEN Members An Taisce Bat Conservation Ireland BirdWatch Ireland CELT Coast Watch Coomhola Salmon Trust Curlew Trust Crann ECO UNESCO Feasta Forest Friends Friends of the Earth Friends of the Irish Environment Global Action Plan, Ireland Gluaiseacht Golden Eagle Trust Grian Hedge Laying Association of Ireland Irish Doctors Environmental Association Irish Natural Forestry Foundation Irish Peatland Conservation Council Irish Seal Sanctuary Irish Seed Saver Association Irish Whale and Dolphin Group Irish Wildlife Trust Just Forests Native Woodland Trust The Organic Centre Sonairte Sustainable Ireland Cooperative Sustainable Projects Ireland VOICE Zero Waste Alliance Ireland Find us on Facebook IEN eNewsbulletin September 5th, 2010 In This Issue Social Media Conference for Environmental NGOs The Heritage Council Grants Programme Consultation on the National Biodiversity Plan Historic Seal release in Sligo. European Youth Energy and Environment Platform Launch Conference EGA Funder Directory CLAIMING OUR FUTURE Reaping the Harvest: Sonairte's courses for September Upcoming courses at the Organic Centre September edition of the Local Sustainability Newsletter Latest Consultations Upcoming Events Dear Patrick Treacy, Thanks for taking the time to read our newsletter. Please help strengthen the environmental community in Ireland by submitting articles or notices of events. You can send your contributions to news@ien.ie. We are aiming to publish this eNewsbulletin every Tuesday. Please send material by Monday for inclusion the following day. If you wish to unsubscribe please follow the instructions at the bottom of this email. To read the full articles just click on the links. Social Media Conference for Environmental NGOs September 4th 2010, EU House, 18 Dawson Street, Dublin 2 A one day conference hosted by the EU Commission Representation in Ireland and in association with the Celsius research group, Dublin City University The Heritage Council Grants Programme The Heritage Council Grants Programme for 2011 is now open. The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 8th October at 5.00 p.m. Please visit the Grants section of this website for information on making an application. Less More Trim Untrim « Older Home Loading Newer » Consultation on the National Biodiversity Plan Ireland's National Biodiversity Plan [3.4MB] was launched in April 2002. The plan sets out the framework through which Ireland will provide for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity over a five-year period. Under fifteen themes and sectors, it details actions that will be pursued to achieve this objective. Historic Seal release in Sligo On September 11th at 3pm history will be made when 5 seal pups are released back to the wild from Strandhill beach in Sligo. Two of the pups were rehabilitated by the Irish Seal Sanctuary (ISS)  volunteers and staff  at the  new home of the Irish Seal Sanctuary in Courtown Harbour, Co Wexford; the other three were nursed back to health by the ISS volunteers,  at the .ISS satellite operation in Dingle  Wildlife and Seal Sanctuary, Co Kerry. European Youth Energy and Environment Platform Launch Conference The European Youth Energy and Environment Platform puts under 35's at the heart of the debate on the energy and climate challenge, bringing together young professionals active in the field of EU Energy and Environment policy. EGA Funder Directory The Environmental Grantmakers Association website provided a list of funder foundations with current staff contacts. For more details see their funder directory. CLAIMING OUR FUTURE: A DEBATE TO IDENTIFY THE CHOICES CIVIL SOCIETY COULD RALLY BEHIND Where: Industries Hall of the RDS in Dublin City When: Saturday, 30th October (ALL-DAY) 'Claiming our Future' is an event to stimulate the emergence of a cross sectoral community of interest and action for a more equal, inclusive and sustainable Ireland. We are organising Reaping the Harvest: Compost Makers and Gardeners Information Day Minister Batt O'Keeffe will officially open Co. Corks first Master Composter Demonstration site in Quartertown Industrial Estate at 2pm on Saturday 18th September and all are invited. The opening will also mark the graduation of thirty one Master Composter volunteers who are now available to present talks and host information stands at events around Co. Cork.  The Master Composter initaitive is part of the EPA's National Food Waste Prevention and Home Composting Programme. Sonairte's courses for September In keeping with the seasons, in September courses and events at Sonairte will focus on making the most of the nature's bounty... so if you want to learn to make your own preserves, make cider from scratch, or learn how to forge for wild food please visit us. Upcoming courses at the Organic Centre Store and Preserve your Vegetables, Herbs and Fruit - revised Mushroom Hunting Seed Saving - Completing the Cycle Troubleshooting Renewable Energy Sources September edition of the Local Sustainability Newsletter Comhar's newsletter is designed to provide a platform for information sharing for local authorities and communities on best practice on local sustainability. It is also available as a .pdf on their website www.comharsdc.ie. Latest Consultations Consultation on the National Biodiversity Plan Closing Date: 17th September, 2010 Public consultation on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) legislation of the EU Closing Date: 24th September, 2010 Upcoming Events click here for details of these events Saturday, 4 September Birds of the West Coast Art Exhibition Communicating environmental issues through the web - What can the internet deliver? Sunday, 5 September Birds of the West Coast Art Exhibition Mushroom Hunting Monday, 6 September Birds of the West Coast Art Exhibition Seminar on Shared Spaces Tuesday, 7 September Birds of the West Coast Art Exhibition Wednesday, 8 September Birds of the West Coast Art Exhibition Thursday, 9 September Birds of the West Coast Art Exhibition Friday, 10 September Birds of the West Coast Art Exhibition Saturday, 11 September  Birds of the West Coast Art Exhibition Castle Espie's annual Green Living Fair Sunday, 12 September Birds of the West Coast Art Exhibition Castle Espie's annual Green Living Fair Saturday, 18 September Seed Saving - Completing the Cycle Troubleshooting Renewable Energy Sources Wednesday, 22 September Fundingpoint Seminar - Getting Grants & Raising Money Youth for the Future Learning to Change our World - ECO-UNESCO Youth for Sustainable Development Conference Friday, 24 September IIEA conference: Improving the Energy Efficiency Of Irish Buildings: From Policy to Practice Sunday, 26 September Biodiversity of Butterflies and bogs day Monday, 27 September  International Waste Conference Tuesday, 28 September Sustain It! Becoming a sustainable youth organization Friday, 1 October 6th Irish Bat Conference