Horizons/Sylvia Thompson:How well are our robins, blue tits and other familiar garden birds coping with climate change? Is the conservation of corncrakes working?
Are birds spreading further north because of climate change? These are just some of the questions Birdwatch Ireland and the British Trust for Ornithology hope to answer during a four-year survey of birds. Bird Atlas 2007- 2011, which started this week, will check the numbers and distribution of birds of Ireland and Britain. Birdwatch Ireland chairman Kieran Grace says "bird numbers provide a barometer of how the natural world is coping with pressures from climate and habitat changes. This Bird Atlas will deliver vital evidence for conservation practitioners." Birdwatch Ireland is keen to involve as many birdwatchers as possible. For more details see www.bto.org/birdatlas
Innovation grants
Scientists, industrial innovators and researchers keen to protect and improve the natural environment are invited to submit research proposals to the Environmental Protection Agency for funding on the Science, Technology, Research & Innovation for the Environment (STRIVE) programme. Up to €10 million of funding will be available for projects in environmental technologies, waste and resource management, sustainable development and environmental socio-economics, environment and health and environmental research data management. Launching the funding last week, EPA director Mary Kelly said "good quality research can provide the foundation for credible decision-making while technology and innovation can provide solutions to environmental problems." The funding is available for projects varying from short-desk studies to large multi-annual development projects involving several organisations. Full details on www.epa.ie/researchandeducation
Tara from the 1950s
Rites of Passage at Tara: The Excavation of the Mound of the Hostages, an exhibition of findings during excavations by Professor Seán P. Ó Ríordáin at Tara in the 1950s, is currently at the National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin. The exhibition also describes the cultural setting in the Neolithic and Bronze Age periods. Tel: 01-6777444.
Age old questions
Are museums doing enough to attract older audiences and are older people doing enough for museums? These questions will be raised at a symposium on museums, galleries and lifelong learning in the National Gallery of Ireland on Friday. Gallery curators and academics will look at how to create meaningful museum experiences for older people and how to involve people in museums in pro-active supportive ways. Tel: 01-6615133 for more details.
Eco Web
[ http://stepitup2007.orgOpens in new window ]
Information on campaigns across the US to mark National Day of Climate Action today. To mark Global Day of Action Climate Change (Dec 8th) see also www.globalclimatecampaign.org to find out about activities around the world. See www.stopclimatechaos.ie to see how one Irish environmental group is planning to meet Irish politicians on Tuesday, November 13th, in Buswells Hotel, Molesworth Street, Dublin, to encourage more action.