Green Infrastructure - Connecting Nature, People and Places

Green Infrastructure Conference takes place on 4th & 5th November 2008 in the Grand Hotel, Malahide, Co. Dublin.

This exciting two-day conference brings together experts from home and abroad to share their experiences in “green infrastructure” planning and delivery.

Green infrastructure means the networks of green areas which provide multiple social, economic and environmental benefits to society. These include protecting nature and natural systems, providing a network of green space for people, and underpinning economic prosperity by creating a high-quality environment.The conference is the first of its kind to be held in Ireland and brings together a wide-range of expertise from the USA, England, Scotland, The Netherlands, Sweden and Ireland, including leading practitioners from a variety of different backgrounds. We are also delighted to welcome Mr John Gormley, TD, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government as one of our keynote speakers.The conference will be attended by planners, architects, engineers, ecologists, elected officials, community representatives, academics, landscape and parks professionals and all those interested in exploring the development of green infrastructure planning and delivery in Ireland. Full details are contained in the conference brochure which you can download here.

• Green Infrastructure Conference Brochure - pdf - 1,010kbs

Invasive Planta and animals in Waterford - Biodiversity Seminar

This should prove to be a worthwhile conference for anyone interested in Biodiversity.

Invasive species are species that are non native to an area having been introduced usually by human activity and once established in their new environment threaten native habitats and cause significant ecological and economic impacts. The control, management and eradication of invasive species can be costly and difficult but early detection and reactive measures can help.

The aim of this seminar is to inform participants on the range and extent of invasive species nationally and with a particular focus on the South-East and County Waterford. Species such as the Grey Squirrel and Chinese Mitten Crab are now well established here while other species such as the Zebra Mussel which has been problematic in the Shannon may
soon extend to local waterways. The seminar will provide participants with information to assist them to become more aware of invasive species in their locality and how to become
involved in the reporting and management of these species.

This event is open to anyone with an interest in the outdoors, natural heritage and biodiversity, environmental groups, Tidy Towns groups, sports people, anglers, boating enthusiasts, hill walkers, local authority staff and elected members.

There is no charge for this seminar but booking is essential as numbers are required for workshops.

The seminar will be held at the Manor Hotel, Killoteran, Co Waterford, on Saturday 22nd November 2008, starting at 9:30am

For further information please contact Bernadette Guest on 058 20839 or bguest@waterfordcoco.ie.

Birdwatching in Ireland with Eric Dempsey

Eric Dempsey has just published an excellent book "Birdwatching in Ireland, with Eric Dempsey". Whether your a beginner or experienced birder, you'll enjoy this book. Eric has a relaxed, easy and down to earth style of writing, he combines this with his vast wealth of birding experience in this new publication. The book could be described as an "all you need to know" book on birding in Ireland. A great Christmas gift for the birders in your life, or for yourself. I reviewed the book as a potential introductory birding books for our B.Sc (Hons) Environmental & Natural Resource Management programme, as students will be covering ornithology among other topics.

More About Eric:
Eric Dempsey is a respected and experienced tour leader, broadcaster and lecturer. A much sought-after speaker, Eric has hosted workshops and presentations throughout the country. He has published work on Ireland’s birds in North America, Australia and Europe and was a features writer for Wild Ireland magazine. Eric is also a Failte Ireland-accredited bird guide in Ireland and is the Director of the Birds of Ireland News Service. http://www.birdsireland.com/