Horizons

Biodiversity Day on way: Scientists, students and others of all ages will join forces in six parks to count as many species …

Biodiversity Day on way:Scientists, students and others of all ages will join forces in six parks to count as many species of plants and animals as possible in 24 hours. Organised by the National Biodiversity Data Centre to mark UN International Biodiversity Day (next Saturday), events will take place in Glen- veagh National Park, Co Donegal, Conne- mara National Park in Co Galway, the Wicklow Mountains National Park in Glen- dalough, Coole Park in Co Sligo, Newbridge Demense in Dublin and Fota Wildlife Park in Co Cork. Book in advance. See biodiver- sity bingo also on biodiversityireland.ie

In Botanic Gardens

The National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin, Dublin, is holding its annual Sustainable Environment Fair next Saturday and Sunday. Exhibitors at the fair include Birdwatch Ireland, the Native Woodland Trust, Crann, An Taisce, Friends of the Earth, Ballymun Regeneration (recycled furniture and fashion projects).

There will be a wildfood workshop on Saturday at 11.30am and Peter Wyse Jackson, director of the National Botanic Gardens, will lead a walk through the Native Plant Conservation area of the gardens on Saturday at 3pm.

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Medieval friends of Dublin

Friends of Medieval Dublin are holding their 12th Medieval Dublin Symposium next Saturday in Trinity College Dublin.

The free public event offers people the opportunity to find out about recent archaeological excavations in the capital city and gain an insight into life in medieval times. Admission is free. Advance booking at 01-8961368.

Meanwhile, the annual celebration of landscape, music, art and local traditions that is Connemara Bog Week is from May 28th to June 7th in Letterfrack. Tel: 095 41034 or ceecc.org

EcoWeb

greenwave.cbd.int

An international site dedicated to encouraging young people to celebrate trees. Lots of colourful examples of projects around the world celebrating the UN International Year of Biodiversity

Sylvia Thompson

Sylvia Thompson

Sylvia Thompson, a contributor to The Irish Times, writes about health, heritage and the environment