CONTENTS
1. Umlazi: Conservation Conversation
2(a). WRM response to FSC statement on certifications
2(b). Forestry Workers Union (SUNOF – formerly SOIMANORPA) – 20 July 2006
2(c). FSC guarantees peace of mind to consumers
3. Dail Debates
4. CELT Update
5. In the News:
(a) Local:
Killykeen chalet complex likely to go on market (Anglo Celt)
(b) National:
New land route proposed to calm Corrib activists (Irish Examiner)
Mass rally to push for powerline rethink (Irish Examiner)
Power-line protesters face court (Irish Times)
6. Contact the Woodland League
1. UMLAZI: CONSERVATION CONVERSATION
Having completed Tangencya 1 in 2005, whereby I worked with six Zulu wood carvers on a cooperative sculpture, whose aim was to promote indigenous African tree appreciation and link the material (wood) back to the living tree, I was then invited back this year to continue the conservation theme.
This time my brief was to establish an indigenous tree nursery in a township. After much communication via email, including some changes, the plan evolved to include a medicinal plant nursery alongside the trees, with a view to exploring assisting the HIV problem via natural medicines, and the potential of creating an income for the community. My visit coincided with a wonderful three day course at Silverglen indigenous plant and tree nursery, on establishing a medicinal plant nursery for Sangoma’s (traditional healers). On arrival at Silverglen, the teacher, Petrus Mongameli, was a little bit surprised to see a white Irishman interested in learning with the Sangoma’s. However, I settled in very quickly and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to access very important knowledge as well as gain an unique insight into a very special part of Zulu culture, the tradition of healing through the muti plants coupled to invoking the spirits of the ancestor’s, whom the Zulu culture, like all earth based indigenous cultures, see the spirit world as very real, in the same way as time was always seen, compared to a river flowing with the past, present and future, always accessible.
We learned the history of Silverglen, now a 300 hectare nature reserve where all plants and trees are grown from seed collected within the reserve. This is a very valuable seed bank in terms of recreating biodiversity for conservation and treestoration projects. This seed energy is true wealth as the seeds hold the information in their DNA which allows us to restore degraded landscapes utilising the complexity of resources provided for, by the indigenous trees and plants.
Silverglen emphasized how important the native trees and plants are, and the inter relationships that exists between plants, animals, fungi, insects etc.etc.etc. within ecosystems. This tied in nicely with my message that the native woodland of any place is the most important land-based habitat for all wildlife and biodiversity.
The Convention on Biodiversity (1993) which followed on the Rio de Janeiro (1992) where Agenda 21 (what we all must do to survive the 21st Century) was agreed by 172 nations, including . This Convention on Biodiversity, which has been the major driving force in the new international attitude to nature conservation, was created to maintain and restore the world’s native biodiversity which is disappearing at an alarming and accelerating rate. Sustainability is defined in the Convention as whatever does not lead to the long-term decline of native bioderversity. The Convention states: “Noting further that the fundamental requirement for the conservation of biological diversity is the in situ (place of origin) conservation of ecosystems and natural habitats and the maintenance and recovery of viable populations of species in their natural surroundings”. The Convention then defines sustainable use as “the use of components of biological diversity in a way and at a rate that does not lead to the long-term decline of biodiversity”. Thus the needs in the definition of sustainability as “development which meets the needs of today’s generation without compromising the needs of future generations” refers to their needs in relation to the conservation of native biodiversity. Without this understanding, the definition is so vague as to render almost any development “sustainable”. At all times it is clear that native biodiversity is the overwhelming concern and forms the basis of the idea of sustainability. Should anyone have any doubts about this, the Convention is on the Internet, where these points are written in black and white.
The Convention of biological diversity draws heavily from the absolute primordial law which nature has laid down – the law of the interdependence of all physical existences. Nature never separates her animal and vegetable world: in their lives, as in their decay and deaths, beasts and plants are absolutely interlocked. She does not even recognise monoculture (growing of single species as a crop) in her vegetable kingdom. Her sowings and harvestings are mixed and intermingled to the last degree, the prairie, the forest, the moor, the marsh, the river, the lake, the ocean include in their several ways an interweaving of existences which is a dramatic lesson.
The garden project at Umlazi draws on these understandings, using an idea called forest gardening, which is a copy of nature’s common sense approach to gardening which included using useful trees, shrubs i.e. medicinal and fruiting, with vegetables mixed in with medicinal plants, some of which we planted on the edge of the vegetable plot to ward off insects, snails etc. This is called companion planting, which eliminates the need for pesticides etc. Wild garlic is one such native plant who’s pungent odour wards off many pests that can otherwise cause a lot of damage in the garden.
We also established two mounded soil circles in which we planted many medicinal plants in a spiral fashion, which maximises the light, nutrients etc. in a small space, allowing for greater yields.
We emphasized the importance of good compost rich with humus (living material, earthworms, insects, fungi) to make the soil more fertile. In soils rich in humus the roots of the crop and the particles of the soil come into contact in two ways, firstly by means of the soil solution which contains, among other things, small quantities of nitrates, phosphates and potash salts. Secondly, by means of the mycorrhizal (fungi/mushrooms) association: this is a partnership between the active cells of the roots with the threads of fungal matter, this forms a living bridge between the plant and the humus in the soil. The roots and fungus grow together.
The relationship is one of symbiosis, the precise details are yet to be investigated. A fungus living on the humus (living material) in the soil, invades the cells of the active part of the roots and lives there, finally being itself digested by the plant. The fungus boosts the plant’s immune system as they contain natural antibiotics, and in turn feeds on sugars produced by the plant. The crop grows by means of the soil solution and the digestion products produced by the fungus. It is only when the plant is nourished in this double fashion that we get disease resistance and high quality in our crops, our animals and ultimately ourselves. This is the basis of organic farming/growing.
At the start of the project I met up with Leishle Mbokazi who runs an NGO called “Vuka” who are actively working on environment projects in the community. Leishle agreed to help and partner this garden project which was a great help. I also contacted Wally Menne whom I already knew from my forestry work in , we are campaigning to change forest policy away from monoculture, exotic plantations, back to continuous cover, multi-use, sustainable native forestry. Wally is active here in the same area and shares the same percentage of indigenous forest cover as , a measly 1%. Wally was also very helpful as he runs an indigenous plant nursery in Durban and has a vast knowledge and experience in this area. Wally and Leishle agreed to network to support the Umlazi garden when I’m gone, along with my assistant, Xolani Qwabe, who was my interpreter at the Silverglen course. He has taken a passionate interest in the medicinal plants and trees. As an art student he is going to write his thesis on traditional medicine, the ancestors and link it to his art world, which is extremely welcome as he can promote this information in a fresh and exciting way to a whole new audience. Xolani will also establish his own nursery in a place where his late father grew these plants before. This is good news as he is repairing the links in the chain of traditional knowledge in this very positive way. I could not have asked for a better assistant and I thank his lecturer for the choice, Themba Shibase.
Xolani also attended the Silverglen course as my interpreter. Therefore, he too gained an insight into growing the muti plants from seeds and cuttings. We were shown the remarkable fertility of these plants, whereby one can reproduce the whole plant from stem, tissue, leaf and wood cuttings. This shows Sangomas that they do not need to take the whole plant, that the same plant can continue to supply new plants indefinitely without destroying the mother plant (source). We learned to grow from seed also.
After a mix of practical and theoretic learning, the course finished with a film of a Sangoma initiation ceremony and background to the preparation. This was very valuable in order to complete the circle, so to speak.
We also had a mild examination to refresh our learning experiences and consolidate what we had learnt. The method of marking/correcting this test was very refreshing as it was not solely concerned with the written examination. Marks were also awarded for merit and how one had applied oneself to the course. The end result being that everyone passed and will receive a certificate to boost their confidence.
We started the project proper with a meeting with Mercy and some of her friends who are already involved in growing vegetables. This contact was made through Leonard Zulu and I would like to thank him personally for his wise choice of community. We had a look at the existing garden which had some vegetables growing and some banana trees on the perimeter. There was a bonfire site in the garden where all the wastes were burnt, including aluminium and plastics, both hugely toxic to the air and soil. I emphasized the importance of not burning these cancer causing wastes and tried to encourage recycling and separation of wastes i.e. using old milk cartons to provide plant pots for future plant transfers. The rest of the site was in a degraded state also. I also spoke to the women about the origins of the soil, history of trees and plants on this planet, the traditions of recognising the spirits in trees, plants and water, as well as the vital functions performed in balancing earth’s natural systems: soil, climate control, etc. Trees and plants are the skin of the earth regulating the temperature etc. All stability of air, soil and water is conferred by trees and vegetation. I explained how we have to turn now from this destructive economy to one based on an ethical approach i.e. a creative economy. Unless we play fair to the earth, we cannot exist physically on this planet.
You can gauge a country’s real wealth by its indigenous forest cover, what shall it profit us if we balance our budgets at the cost of the destruction of the earth beneath our feet? Forests, woodlands and plants are linked to biological, social and spiritual well-being.
A way forward is to recognise that local communities are the best protectors and enhancers of their local environment once they have been informed. The loss of their traditional knowledge has been another example of cultural fragmentation. Like loss of memory, this can be restored too.
It is possible to literally grow local economies and restore degraded sites using the idea of native treestoration. This will be a huge growth area in the future and needs to be grasped now as another avenue of expansion for biodiversity and local communities.
We agreed to start the project the next day via a clean-up of the site and the establishment of fencing to protect and demarcate the site, create a sacred space, which, in fact, it now is.
The fencing I had prepared at the sculpture centre by recycling abandoned bamboo poles from a discontinued Tangencya project. I burned the ends of the poles so they would not rot in the ground so easily. This is an ancient method of wood preservation that does not include chemicals.
Mercy agreed to have some help on hand to help. Unfortunately due to logistical problems we arrived late. When we finally got there the helper had cut down five banana trees which we wished to use for cover as well as noise barriers, there is a motorway on the doorstep of this community. The helper meant well. He was told we were tidying up and in this mechanistic age, this means to too many people a scorched earth policy. Without correct information we can do so much damage unconsciously.
This was frustrating but also provided a lesson. The trees will grow back thankfully and I used the stump to show how much water the roots bring up from the ground. The grandchildren of Mercy were fascinated by this.
We set to work and transformed the site quickly with the help of many hands, all of which spontaneously volunteered, showing the power of the garden/nature to encourage cooperation.
Many neighbours and friends commented on this quick transformation over the course of three or four days.
Zhulelei, a grandson of Mercy, came to Silverglen with us and we booked him into the medicine plant course. This is a powerful development to ensure the success of the project.
We went back to Silverglen and purchased suitable plants and trees and began planting same. An example of completing another circle/cycle, having begun the project in Silverglen via the muti course.
Mercy and community were so happy, it was very satisfying to have helped out in such a meaningful way. Mercy told me how no one had ever helped them in such a way. Quite powerful.
Once again I had been privileged to be welcomed in this Zulu community and witness the respect for elders, ability to have fun, good humour, the sharing of scant resources, the freedom of young children playing etc., in stark contrast to the security restrictions so many wealthy (so-called) people live with.
I helped to set up a support network to guide this seed energy project and am optimistic this project will grow and provide leadership and inspiration to many other communities, NGO’s etc going into the future. The fact that the garden grows provides much inspiration. The ancient peoples believed the earth was a sentient being and felt the behaviour of mankind on it. As we have no proof to the contrary, it might be as well to accept this point of view and act accordingly.
Planting a tree is a looking forward kind of action, yet not too distantly.
Andrew St Ledger
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2(a) WRM RESPONSE TO FSC STATEMENT ON CERTIFICATIONS
Montevideo, 9 August 2006
Dear Mr Liedeker,
On 14 July the FSC issued a statement (“FSC guarantees peace of mind to consumers”) in response to “A recent WRM (World Rainforest Movement) report has called into question the credibility of FSC certification in four plantations in .” In that statement, you are quoted as having said that “Reading the certification body’s reports it is apparent that some information in the WRM report was based on misunderstandings or in some cases presented out of context”.
Unfortunately, I have not been able to access the SGS response (because it was not made public by the FSC) but I have carefully read the response from Smartwood, where no proof is provided about any “misunderstandings” or on anything “presented out of context”. What’s more, Smartwood’s response does not respond to any of the many serious issues raised in the WRM report.
Within the 9 points presented as examples by Smartwood (a – i), four of them (a, b, c, f) simply point out at the fact that I (the author of the WRM report) refused to participate in the certification process. Surely you will agree with me that participation is voluntary and that this is totally unrelated to the issue under discussion.
Point d is the only one which raises a possible “misunderstanding” and which therefore deserves a more lengthy explanation. Smartwood says:
“The WRM report states that the head of a local workers union (Jose Bautista) indicated to SW his perspectives on FYMNSA certification and SW ignored them (“lo que dije a SmartWood sobre la certificación de FYMNSA no lo tuvieron en cuenta para nada" y que “luego que vino SmartWood a los pocos días había un gran cartel de la certificadora en las oficinas de la empresa"). [“everything that I told SmartWood with regard to the certification of FYMNSA was completely disregarded.” Meanwhile, after SmartWood came to assess FYMNSA’s operations, “within a few days there was a big SmartWood poster hanging in the company’s offices”]. We would clarify the following: SOIMANORPA, which Mr. Bautista heads up, was established in 2003. He was never interviewed during the initial assessment of FYMNSA simply because this organization did not exist at the moment. He was interviewed during subsequent assessment of another operation, Villa Luz, where he met with SW auditors Jacques Boutmy and Rolyn Medina. During that meeting he indicated that, from his perspective, WRM was not up to date on actual social or worker realities of operations in the field. He also indicated that FYMNSA was a leader in allowing the workers union to interact with FYMNSA workers, that his union maintains constant and very open communication with FYMNSA.”
That is Smartwood’s version. I spoke on Thursday, 20th of July 2006 with Mr Bautista and asked him if he agreed with the points raised above by Smartwood. His answer was: “It’s all false”. Mr Bautista is a very well organized person and keeps record of all he does. He was therefore able to track the meeting quoted above with Jacques Boutmy and Rolyn Medina, and discovered that it took place on 20 October 2004, well before WRM had even thought about carrying out this research!
I asked him more specifically on whether in his view “FYMNSA was a leader in allowing the workers union to interact with FYMNSA workers”. Once again he replied: “it’s false”. With reference to SW's statement that “his union maintains constant and very open communication with FYMNSA”, Bautista explained that even though the company receives the union, that's just a mere formality. And he added: “three days ago I was interviewed in Rivera by TV Channel 6 and by four local radios and I said that the company was violating labour rights and that it should have never been certified. Maybe that’s the reason why Smartwood has reacted in this way”.
Even worse, Mr Bautista explained at length the present very conflictive situation resulting from the company’s violation of labour regulations and sent me in writing a summary of the main points of the conflict (see below). Contrary to what Smartwood’s response seems to imply, the document ends stating: “Dialogue with the Union still exists but the reverting of FYMNSA’s breaches of labour legislation and respect for trade union organization and workers has not been achieved.”
The above alone puts into question the credibility of Smartwood and calls for an urgent independent investigation by the FSC on this issue.
Additionally, Smartwood’s response does not mention any of the serious issues raised in our report which concludes that the four companies involved (one of which certified by Smartwood) do not comply with the social, environmental and economic mandate of FSC. For instance, in the case of FYMNSA:
- environmental impacts on native grasslands
- disappearance of local fauna
- depletion of water resources
- use of alien invasive species (Fraxinus americana, Melia azedarach, Pinus elliottii)
- diminished employment and lower salaries than in the past
- bad working conditions, where most of the workers are outsourced
- impacts on other agricultural and cattle raising activities
- impacts on local commercial activities
Within that context of violation of FCS’s mandate, it is sad to read that in the FSC statement you “warn”, Mr Liedeker that “FSC is ... nor an instrument to create publicity for ‘Anti-Plantations-Campaigns’”, implying that the WRM report is simply trying to create such publicity and to use the FSC as a tool for its campaigns. The issue is entirely the opposite. The FSC is certifying a type of plantation (large-scale tree monocultures), that impacts negatively on people and the environment and thereby leading to a loss of credibility in the FSC label. This is precisely the reason why the FSC decided to launch a plantations certification review, which we welcome. One of our aims is to feed that process with as much documented information as possible, so that such large-scale tree plantations are not certified in the future. If that happens, it would be a very positive outcome, both for local communities struggling against those plantations in many countries, and for the FSC itself, that would strengthen its main asset: its credibility. We also expect, as you do, “the work of the working group to yield in many critical respects a much improved approach to FSC certification of plantation forestry.”
However, it is not by ignoring the facts and believing what certifiers say, that the FSC will achieve that aim. We therefore urge you to investigate further the issues raised in the WRM report, so that you can effectively “guarantee peace of mind to consumers”.
Yours sincerely,
Ricardo Carrere
WRM Report available athttp://www.wrm.org.uy/publications/index.html.
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2(b) FORESTRY WORKERS UNSION (SUNOF – formerly SOIMANORPA) – 20 July 2006
The Forestry Workers Union (Sindicato de Obreros Forestales –SUNOF) is in a state of pre-conflict with the Rivera based forestry company FYMNSA, due to the company’s aggressive attitude and breaching of labour regulations over the past months with regard to the workers.
First of all, in February not only did FYMNSA not adjust salaries according to the provisions of the Salary councils, but it lowered them.
Furthermore and in spite of the reiterated demands made by the trade union and even by the legal system, it continues to disregard the 8 hour work day and does not pay the overtime generated every day.
FYMNSA’s ruling that obliges workers – over 150 – to work on State holidays, which came into force on 1 May and prevented tens of workers from attending the celebration of Workers Day as arranged by the Union, has also caused unrest.
During the month of June FYMNSA also brought into force working rules that include dozens of articles and represents a real “military code” of the way FYMNSA expects workers to behave in the company.
The limit came last week when a 66 year-old union member, with 10 years seniority in the company and with no disciplinary antecedents, called the company to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, claiming payment of overtime and the board and lodging benefit. The owner of the company, Mr. Lorenzo Balerio shouted reprimands and dismissed him. To date, the worker has not even received his redundancy payment. This is an abuse.
Dialogue with the Union still exists but the reverting of FYMNSA’s breaches of labour legislation and respect for trade union organization and workers has not been achieved.
Forestry Workers Union (SUNOF – formerly SOIMANORPA)
20 July 2006
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2(c) FSC GUARANTEES PEACE OF MIND TO CONSUMERS
A recent WRM (World Rainforest Movement) report has called into question the credibility of FSC certification in four plantations in .
The two FSC accredited certification bodies responsible for these certifications have investigated the issues and have now provided their responses to FSC. The certifiers’ reports clarify and justify the decision to certify the companies named in the WRM report. ‘Reading the certification body’s reports it is apparent that some information in the WRM report was based on misunderstandings or in some cases presented out of context’ , said Heiko Liedeker, Director of FSC International.
FSC has a well established and internationally recognized accreditation program which monitors the performance of accredited certification bodies and ensures that their certification of forest management operations complies with FSC’s international standards for socially beneficial, environmentally appropriate and economically viable forest management.
As part of the certification bodies’ assessment of forest management FSC requires extensive consultation with local stakeholders to ensure that the needs of local people are respected and met. Along with many other stakeholders in Uruguay WRM was contacted during these processes to raise their concerns. Smartwood’s public summary documents this well. The FSC accredited certification bodies will continue to involve social, environmental and economic stakeholders at every annual monitoring visit to each of their certified operations.
‘FSC values and encourages the very active and often critical engagement of local stakeholders and NGOs. But FSC is neither campaigning against plantations nor an instrument to create publicity for ‘Anti-Plantations-Campaigns’’, warns Liedeker. The FSC General Assembly discussed at length whether or not plantation forestry should be certifiable just like management of natural and semi-natural forests. It concluded with overwhelming support of its social, environmental and economic constituents that FSC shall not exclude plantations from its scope, but instead review its approach to certification of plantations. The aim of the review process is to ensure that certification of plantations does promote best practices.
Over the past 30 months a working group with balanced representation of social, environmental and economic stakeholders from the Global South as well as the Global North has reviewed in-depth all aspect of best practice in plantation forestry. This working group held extensive consultations around the world to ensure that experience and knowledge of local stakeholders, especially of those affected by plantation forestry is included. The working group will publish the results of its work in fall 2006. We expect the work of the working group to yield in many critical respects a much improved approach to FSC certification of plantation forestry.
‘The FSC label continues to make every effort to promote socially and environmentally responsible forest management in plantations as well as natural and semi-natural forests. Consumers can count on the FSC system as a guarantee for good forest management’, promises Liedeker.
The SmartWood report can be found at:http://www.rainforestalliance.org/programs/forestry/smartwood/documents/fymnsa_clarifications.pdf
After the annual audit of the companies mentioned in the WRM report, SmartWood will provide further information upon request.
The SGS report is not public. For further information, please contact Gerrit Marais (Director of SGS Qualifor Program) (Gerrit.Marais@sgs.com).
For further information contact Nina Haase, Communications Manager, FSC International Center Bonn,n.haase@fsc.org; +49 228 367 66 29
July 14th 2006
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3. DÁIL DEBATES
366. Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if, in regard to the consultation process regarding the Forestry Review and the basis on which the decision to exclude the Forestry Act 1988 from this review was made, she will provide the Houses of the Oireachtas with the record by which this decision was made and include all correspondence with the Department, which is the main shareholder on behalf of the public in this semi-State body, and all correspondence with Coillte regarding the review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26687/06]
Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan): The review of forestry legislation under way at present is concentrating on the operational provisions of the various Acts. Because of this, the main focus is on the 1946 Act but the 1988 Act is not excluded, insofar as it deals with operational matters such as, for example, the level of penalties.
The role of Coillte is ultimately a matter for Government to decide and any changes to the legislation establishing Coillte could only be considered following a decision to review or change that role. The role of Coillte is not being considered in this review.
The Terms of Reference of the current review have been published and are currently posted on my Department’s website. This website is updated on a monthly basis to report progress in the review. The scope of the current review was set by my Department and there was no correspondence with Coillte on the specific matter raised in the question.
367. Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the location, area, parties involved, reasons and terms of any lands exchanged by Coillte in the past three years under Section 39 of the Forestry Act 1988; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26688/06]
Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan): Coillte Teoranta was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act 1988 and day to day operational matters are the responsibility of the company. The exchange of land is a matter of an operational nature for Coillte.
I am advised, however, that there were three land exchanges by the company since the commencement of 2003. I would suggest that the Deputy contact the company directly for the breakdown sought.
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4. CELT UPDATE
CELT - Centre for Environmental Living and Training www.celtnet.org
Forthcoming events at Bealkelly Wood, Tuamgraney, Co. Clare:
Open Day - Saturday 2nd September, 1pm - Free - Skills demos, Displays, Guided Walks
Weekend in the Woods - 7th / 8th October - Choice from 18 different skills courses
At The Heritage Centre, Tuamgraney :
Sunday 20th August, 2pm - Free - Wildlife / Biodiversity - Illustrated talk and guided walk (To book, phone 065-684-6456)
Successful 'Summer in the Woods'
Thanks to all involved in Summer in the Woods over 22 / 23 / 24 July. Apologies once more for delay at registration - it was a bit of a fluster with so many arriving at once - we are adjusting our system to avoid such delays in future, and request all participants to let us have full payment in advance if possible, or at least try to arrive early and be sure to have sent in deposit and membership (if applicable). Otherwise feedback has been very positive and people seemed to enjoy the weekend - the good weather helped, especially for those taking a dip in the lake! Some great work was done on various building projects and we were pleased to see many people taking home excellent pieces of furniture, utensils, jewellery, wood carving, longbows, etc.
Weekend in the Woods - 7th / 8th October - Bealkelly Wood, Tuamgraney, Co.Clare - choice of 18 courses in traditional skills / crafts. Details now on the website (see below) - many of the same popular courses available - book on-line now !
Canoe building course - 4 weekends starts 26 / 27 August - Build your own canoe - timber frame covered with canvas proofed with linseed oil and painted (or can be fibre-glass covered if preferred). Alternatively build a simple wooden boat (similar to the old traditional turf boat). 4 consecutive weekends with optional free extra weekend if needed to complete the work (or if a weekend unavoidably missed). Course fee 400 euros plus membership (15 euro) if applicable and estimated 150 - 180 euors for materials. Participants should have basic woodworking skills. To book, send deposit 100 euros plus contact details and what you want to build. Phone Del Harding 061-923041 for further info
CELT Open Day - Sunday 3rd September - 1pm to 6pm - Bealkelly Wood, Tuamgraney, Co.Clare
As a contribution to Heritage Week, CELT will provide traditional skills demonstrations, displays about woodland / wetland ecology / biodiversity and guided walks through the woodland and by the holy well, stream, ponds and lakeshore. No official cover charge, but donations welcome towards CELT environmental education and training programmes.
Directors' comments :
We are lucky to have the cooperation of Del Harding and use of his beautiful woodland and ask that all visitors to our events please respect the place and use facilities with care - also remember that the animals have a greater right to be there than we do. Please take litter home or at least use marked bags for recycling and please ensure that the gate is kept shut at all times. The woodland is private and not open to the public when events / courses are not in progress.
It is part of CELT ethos to keep events affordable to the less well-off, at the same time we need to pay staff, rent, insurance, buy tools and equipment, etc - much help towards this has been through funding from the Heritage Council, LEADER, Clare VEC and other sponsors. We still have to struggle with only part-time and volunteer staff so anyone who can help source funding / sponsorship - your help will be greatly appreciated by the hundreds of people who take part in our events and projects.
We are currently doing a project to improve biodiversity in an interesting wetland / stream / pond / lakeshore part of Bealkelly Wood - part funded by the Biodiversity Fund through the Heritage Council. Anyone who is interested in helping with this, please get in touch.
CELT Centre for Environmental Living and Training
c/o East Clare Community Coop, Scariff, Co.Clare,
www.celtnet.org info@celtnet.org Tel: 061-640765 / 087-632-4644
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5. INSIGHT CALL FOR PAPERS
Due to the impact of holdays on contributors' ability to deliver final copies for August, the release of issue 4 of Insight has been held over by one month until the end of September. We had suspected that this might well happen, but felt it was worth giving August a shot.
As a result, we are still open to new submissions until 15th September.
Articles, notes, news and reviews relating to 's human and natural heritage are acceptable; for issue 4 we are especially interested in discussions of the relationship between communities and their local heritage.
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Irish INSIGHT are now accepting FINAL submissions for INSIGHT Online Journal #4 which will be released at the end of August, and initial submissions for #5, due in December 2006.
Closing date for final submissions for #4 is now Sunday 15 September.
Closing date for submissions for #5 is Sunday 3 December.
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INSIGHT publishes articles, notes and reviews of any length (including unpublished Masters theses) and we welcome work that takes advantage of the opportunities afforded by online publication such as graphics, animations etc.
All submissions are subject to peer-review.
We welcome any work dealing with 's heritage in the broadest sense, including, but not limited to:
Archaeology
Architecture
Environment
Folklore
History
Language
Literature
Mythology
Natural History
Performance Arts
Visual Arts
If you are unsure whether your material is appropriate, we will be happy to advise. Of special interest for Issue #4 are discussions of the interrelationship between community and heritage.
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Initial submissions should be in the form of an abstract, though we will accept completed papers at this stage also.
Submissions should be formatted as plain text, rich text, Word .doc or html.
Final submissions should be delivered in plain text or rich text only.
Please address initial enquiries or submissions to:
calraige@eircom.net
with the word INSIGHT included in the subject line
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Many thanks,
Stiof MacAmhalghaidh
Editor, INSIGHT Journal
calraige@eircom.net
http://www.irishinsight.net
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Continued at http://www.woodlandleague.org/newsletter/index.php?itemid=55