Disappearing vegetables: Did you know that over the past 100 years, 75 per cent of vegetable varieties have disappeared? Or, that the vast majority of the seeds on sale today are grown in the hot, dry climates of North Africa, the Mediterranean or the central plains of North America?
These two facts alone give strong justification for the work of the Irish Seed Savers' Association (ISSA). Their tireless efforts to build up a stock of native-bred seeds (which are more suitable to our damp, mild climate) will be the subject of an open day in the Museum of Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co Mayo, on Saturday, February 29th from 2-5 p.m. Rare seeds and fruit trees will be on sale, and a plot in the museum grounds will be sown with old potato varieties. Experts will give talks on agricultural biodiversity, native Irish apples and cereal growing in Mayo. Meanwhile, those keen to grow their own vegetables, potatoes and grains from native seeds can contact the Irish Seedsavers for a catalogue of rare seeds for planting this spring. The ISSA is also running courses in organic gardening and fruit tree grafting, starting in March. Courses take place at Capparoe, Scariff, Co Clare. Tel: 061-921866
Gulf Stream cooling?
Global warming could, paradoxically cause devastating cooling in Europe by disrupting the Gulf Stream, according to new research. The study, led by the US Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, has uncovered a dramatic change in the circulation of the waters in the North Atlantic that could turn off the Gulf Stream, which keeps Europe and particularly Ireland's weather mild. Such findings will no doubt concern those attending the forthcoming symposium on Climate Change and Irish Agriculture in the Royal Irish Academy, Dawson St, Dublin, on Thursday, February 26th. Speakers will address the impact of climate change on grass production, dairy systems and crop yields in Ireland. Book with Ann Gilsenan at Teagasc Research Centre in Co Meath. Tel: 046-9025214
Dublin connections
Looking for a recycling depot in your area? Interested in joining a wildlife group or learning more about conservation issues? If you live in the Dublin area, the new Dublin City Environmental Directory is the place to search. With over 350 groups included, the directory provides an up-to-date database of environmental activity in the capital. It is available free in booklet form from the Dublin City Development Board or online at www.dublin.ie/environmentaldirectory. The Dublin City Community Forum Environmental Focus Group who compiled the directory will plant trees to replace the paper used in producing the printed directory. However, if you can access it online, all the better. Tel: 01-6722148 or e-mail doce@dublincity.ie Another directory, the Dublin Green Map project, is now on exhibition in Cultivate, the sustainable living centre, 15-19 Essex St West, Old City, Temple Bar, Dublin. The map identifies the location of recycling facilities in the city centre. Meanwhile the organisers of the annual Convergence festival, based in Cultivate, are seeking volunteers to help get this year's festival swinging. The first meeting for volunteers is on Tuesday at 6.30 p.m. Telephone: 01-6746415.