Monday 30 April 2007

ADBUSTERS


(Click on the title for a link to the Adbusters site)

Now that the days are getting longer and the weather is warming up, most of us are out and about a bit more. Windows are open to air the rooms out and the television doesn’t get as much use as the great outdoors beckons. We do tend to watch less telly as the weather improves and other activities take preference, however watching TV can often be the easy option. A group of activists in America called Adbusters are challenging our telly viewing habits by setting up a telly free week to run from the 25th of this month. The campaign encourages us to switch off at home but they are actively targeting TV’s in public areas such as airports, banks and any other communal place. Their idea is to switch off the sets with a remote control on a key fob to spare us from reality programmes and adverts. This of course is met with cheers from some people. Others are not so happy as they feel that their freedom of choice is being taken away from them. Thankfully we here in Inishowen are not swamped with this kind of thing and watching a bit of telly, like most things in moderation, is all part of a balanced diet, which could include playing games with your children, visiting friends, walking the beaches and cleaning the house (with plenty of vinegar of course)!!

Environmental.

TIPS FOR THE BEACH

Photo: Pollen Bay beach near Clonmany.



We have some of the best beaches in the country. With a bit of thought we can ensure that they are kept that way for us all to enjoy. Here are a few tips.

Don’t litter. Take home what you take to the beach. Always use the bins if they are provided. If there isn’t a bin or if the bin is full, don’t just put the rubbish to the side, the birds and dogs will make sure that the rubbish is scattered everywhere. If there isn’t a bin, or it’s full, take the rubbish home with you. There is an on the spot fine of 100 euro for anyone caught dropping litter in Inishowen.

Take a bucket. Better than just taking your rubbish, take a bucket (or bag) with you to the beach and pick up any litter you see on your way back to the car. Set a good example to others.

Plastics and glass. If you do take plastic containers of any kind, make sure you bring them home with you. Plastics are a danger to marine life and take forever to break down. Glass on the beach is very dangerous. Never leave bottles on the beach, they will break and be very dangerous around where children are playing and also for animals and marine life.

Quad bikes, buggies, motorbikes and cars. If you are blighted by any of these on your day to the beach then you can phone the local Garda station and give them the details. You can do this with complete confidentiality.

Cigarette ends. Don’t leave cigarette ends on the beach. They are non-biodegradable and are deadly to the fish and birds that eat them in mistake for food.

Cans and plastic rings. Cans get very sharp when the sea wears them, making them a hazard for children and animals. The plastic rings that hold cans together can strangle birds, fish and other animals.

Fishing line. Never leave fishing line on the beach. Birds, fish and other animals can get trapped in it and die. Monofilament fishing line takes 600 years to break down in the marine environment. Roll the line up and tie then take the line home with you and dispose of it safely.

Dogs. If you walk your dog on a beach where other people are likely to be, take a bag to collect their mess. The council are thinking of banning dogs on the beaches between 11am and 6pm each day.


Peter Doherty from Carndonagh has started a clean up campaign to rid the beaches of rubbish around the peninsula. Peter stressed that although there was a certain amount of rubbish left on the beach by visitors, there is a lot of debris that comes in on the tide as well. If you would like to help at any time you can phone Peter on 074 9373373






Environmental.

CLOUGHJORDAN ECO-VILLAGE

(This article is time sensitive. Click HERE where you will find updated information)



GOING ALL THE WAY WITH SUSTAINABILITY
Imagine there is a 67-acre farm next to you. How would you feel if the whole area was sold to a group of people that wanted to set up a complete eco village? Would you think that the idea was quaint and let them get on with it as long as they didn’t cause trouble? Maybe you would get involved; maybe you would welcome the diversity into your village or town. This isn’t just a theoretical question for the residents in Cloughjordan in County Tipperary. Planning has gone through for 132 environmentally friendly houses to be built on the farm. Included in the plans are reed bed sewage systems, woodlands, wildlife areas, and allotments and children’s play areas. Members also have access to over 50 acres of community land and infrastructure. An organic farm and orchards will be included. A district heating mains system and an enterprise space with support facilities such as broadband communication and an internal telephone network are also planned.
The initiative, called The Village is not the first to appear in Ireland. The idea is becoming more popular and there is an organisation called The Global Eco-Village Network (GEN) set up to help people set up their own community. This is a non-profit making organisation that promotes and supports models of sustainable living. . (Their website is at
http://gen.ecovillage.org/ )
Locally people have tried to set up such communities. The Meithal centre on Inch Island was popular some years ago with people wanting to try to live communally. It eventually disbanded but since then groups like the Village feel that they have learnt from these early mistakes and they have overcome potential problems by coming up with a very comprehensive ecological charter.

General overview of the ecological charter:


The group will follow guidelines such as

Energy efficiency: All buildings will follow the principle of low-impact and high performance design
Renewable energy (RES):
This can be met by purchasing renewable energy from the national grid or from integrated local renewable power generation.
Space heating: Mainly by solar power backed up by wood stoves, heat pumps, CHP, solar and thermal.
Cooking appliances: Non-electrical devices are preferred; if not appliances of a high efficiency rating must be used.
Domestic hot water: Hot water supply will be met by active renewable techniques, such as roof mounted solar thermal panels.
Biodiversity: The estate will be equally divided into three land use zones comprising residential, agricultural and natural/woodland zones. The growing of local food and energy crops will be favoured.
Water management: Harvested rainwater and grey water can be used for toilet flushing and irrigation, etc. All wastewater will be separated close to source and treated onsite
Waste management: Waste reduction, reuse and recycling are core design principles of the project.
Materials: The embodied energy of materials will be taken into consideration. This includes materials of a low-embodied energy, locally sourced labour skills and materials should be used where possible, with minimum wastage.
Healthy indoor environment: All construction materials should be chosen that are non-toxic in manufacture, use and decay.
Daylight: Day lighting in buildings will be maximised.
Ventilation: Passive building ventilation will be maximised and accompanied by heat exchangers for heat recovery.
Transport: The Village will encourage the use of public transport, car-pooling, community transport schemes, cycling and walking as modes of transportation.
Social & Community: Sharing of common facilities where possible, such as collective laundry and transport will be favoured. Open and public access to all common amenities will be promoted

What type of people are interested in The Village?
All types of people. Anyone who sees a sustainable way of life as something worth striving for. The members are from all walks of life. Students, PAYE, Self-Employed, Retired. The range of work disciplines is quite diverse. Some are Architects, I.T. Professionals, Teachers, Homemakers, Engineers, and Artists etc.

Buying into the dream.
The company is selling to member’s freehold sites with outline planning permission and services. Some people will choose to self-build their homes and it is the company’s intention to work with approved housing developers who will build houses for members, after the infrastructure has been developed.

How much will a site cost?
The Village is a non-for profit company so all money raised through the sale of sites to members is used to provide the development that members want. The estimated cost of the whole project is €6.25 million when this is divided by the number of sites to sell the average cost is in the region of €50,000. However sites should cost between €17,000 and €80,000

Mixed feelings
These developments are met with mixed feelings. Some people think they are an oddity; some people have a strong community already and feel no need to join such an organisation. They are proving to be beneficial to small towns though as the people not only use local facilities, they do attract a lot of craftspeople that in turn boosts local trade. The local school will be bulging at the seams though! The Village group hopefully have learnt that to be a success they will need to be accepted by the local community already there and also the locals will need to be supportive for it to work successfully.

Environmental.

Sunday 29 April 2007

LORETO HOUSE FLORAL WEEKEND


Photo: Loreto House with Tyred View by Debra Richardson.



Photo: Loreto House conservatory.


Photo: Large display by Michael Doherty and Mary McCullagh.



Photo: Karen Sanson display.










Photo: Kazuhide Egewa displays.








Photo's:Julie Pearson displays.



Photo: Jane Marsh display.




Photo: Hallway,Loreto House.





Photo: Floral mix








Photo: Petal Power by Michael Doherty.



Photo:Decorated boots by Jane Marsh.








Carpet of flowers: Loreto grammer school Omagh,Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana,Crana College, Buncrana
FLOWER SHOW AT LORETO HOUSE

Loreto house in Linsfort was bathed in sunshine over the weekend, giving a perfect backdrop for their first flower show. The idea for the flower show came from a conversation with flower arranger Michael Doherty and sister Eveleen from Loreto house soon after Sister Anne McDaid passed away. It had always been something that Sister Anne wanted to do but was unable to organise because of ill health. It seemed fitting therefore that the show went ahead in her memory and floral artists came from here and overseas to take part. The money raised will also go towards the refurbishment of the stable yard, which was also a plan that Sister Anne was hoping to implement. I went down to see the varied display of artwork for myself and was amazed at the size and variation of the arrangements. Before walking into the newly painted building I was greeted with a decorated car that Michael Doherty had put together called “Petal Power”, complete with hazel sticks in the exhaust pipes. There was also a collection of three decorated tractor tyres on the lawn to steer you into the house, these were put together by Debra Richardson and called Tyred View”

Jane Marsh created a fantastic show of flowers in the conservatory using driftwood and old wellies that were still covered in mud. Sticks poked out of the top of the boots, which reminded me of the feeling of my own boots after a day grafting in the garden. Every room in the house was full of stylish displays. Loreto Grammer School, Scoil Mhuire and Crana College decorated the hallway with two gigantic carpets of fresh flowers and the staircase banister and post decorated by John McDonald and Christine Skipper were intricately woven with flowers. There were some gigantic displays that would be well suited to a stately home. The idea of floral arrangements go back centuries but really became popular in Victorian times to display new species of imported flowers as well as prosperity. In contrast to these larger displays, Kazuhide Egewa showed us very inspiring Japanese styled minimalist displays using dogwood, roses and something we tend to just throw on the fire, the humble lump if turf!

GARDEN DESIGN-DOORWAY

Photo: The red hot poker plant (Kniphofia) could make an interesting centre piece in a pot by the door.


BRIGHTEN UP THE DOORWAY
Bring some colour and warmth to the doorway of your house by carefully picking some hot pots and plants

HOT REDS
Perfect for: a cool corner that needs brightening up. Choose bold Mediterranean blue pots. They are usually associated with summer sun, but they also look great planted up with warm winter plants. A single colour scheme always creates instant impact - in winter,try a combination of cyclamen and Gaultheria procumbens.

OLIVES
Perfect for: an alternative look. Choose an olive tree! Although olive trees may be associated with sunnier climes, they are surprisingly hardy. Dress up your olive tree by placing it in a terracotta pot and under planting it with variegated ivy. It should be kept sheltered from cold winter winds, but makes a great alternative to the traditional Christmas tree.

CHOCOLATE ORANGE
Perfect for: a warm welcome to a door or driveway. Choose large red planters and plant them up in rich tones of red, orange and chocolate brown. It's a warm and inviting look that's easy to replicate. Plant a chocolate-brown cordyline in the centre of the pot and alternate orange flaming katy (Kalanchoƫ blossfeldiana) and red Gaultheria procumbens around the base of the cordyline. Place in a bright but sheltered spot and water sparingly.

Horticultural.

GARDEN DESIGN-BIRDS


SPARE A THOUGHT FOR THE BIRDS WHEN PLANNING YOUR GARDEN


(Click on the title for a link to the RSPB)


Birds are on the decline in the garden and one of the reasons could be blamed on lost lawns. Decking, patios and gravel gardens may be contributing to a decline in song thrushes, house sparrows and starlings. Conservationists said their numbers have plummeted over the last 30 years as a trend to replace lawns with a low maintenance alternative has taken off. Without a habitat for insects, there is less for the birds to feed on. The RSPB over in England said studies suggested this was threatening some species' survival rate and urged people to leave lawns. It said that gardening makeover shows and a lack of time to spend tending a garden had led people to pave over their gardens or lay decking. Richard Bashford, of the RSPB, said: "We are losing more and more of the natural environment around our homes, particularly our front gardens." He said research had shown that even tiny front gardens or green verges are vital for urban wildlife and can house more than 700 different species of insect. "The RSPB is still investigating the causes of declines and why bird populations aren't recovering. Currently there is no one factor this can be attributed to. "However supplementing natural food with seeds and nuts and planting natural food sources for next spring can only help." The RSPB is also urging gardeners to plant native shrubs, leave patches of long grass and introduce bird feeders and tables.

RSPB ADVICE


Plant a native shrub or climber
Leave patches of long grass
Do not cut back old stems of herbaceous plants and annuals until spring
Fill a shallow dish with fresh water every day
Put nuts, seeds and household scraps in feeders or on bird tables

Horticultural,environmental.

POINSETTIAS



As we are looking at brightening up the doorstep let's look indoors too. There were some interesting houseplants on sale before Christmas to cash in on the buying frenzy. Some of the choices will last longer than others. Don't be too disappointed if the beautiful plant you bought looks like a pile of twigs, they will have done their job. Some plants are for Christmas, not for life!

A favourite is the Poinsettia. These attractive foliage plants prefer cooler rooms otherwise they wilt. To keep the humidity up, stand them on a layer of pebbles in a water-filled tray. Put the plants near a window with lots of light but out of draughts, let them dry out between watering, and feed occasionally. They could last for months but don't bet money on it though! Most of the problems you will get with this plant are because of the poor conditions they were displayed in at the shops. They were grown in hot glasshouses so a cold draughty doorway of a shop is the last thing they need. Pick ones from shops that keep them watered and out of the cold air. If you do want to over winter the plant so that they produce the coloured bracts ( kind of flower petals), it is possible but tricky. They'll need 14 hours of total darkness followed by 10 hours of daylight every day for 8 weeks. Leave it to the professionals!


Horticultural.

Saturday 28 April 2007

INISHOWEN ORGANIC GROUP




ORGANIC INFORMATION

Ian

I would like more information about turning my veggie plot organic. I have read a few books but would be grateful if you could put me in touch with any organic group in Inishowen. Thanks T.M Carn


Reply.




Hi Tom. You will be pleased to know that Inishowen does have a really strong organic group here in Inishowen. They meet every last Thursday in Simpsons bar in Carndonagh , so you won't have far to travel!. The main focus of the network is on subsidised training, and now they have such a large membership, most of the training can be done here in Inishowen. An earlier meeting included guest speaker John Long from North West Organics, based in Derry. He spoke about farmers markets. NWO now organise several markets,including Donegal town and Strabane. The markets are slowly becoming more popular as people are getting the 'buy local' message, The group are always looking for organic growers. So if you have a large plot with loads of surplus stock to sell or just produce enough for youself them contact Mary Reilly at jandmreilly@eircom.net> . Mary will happily answer all of your questions.




Horticultural.


BIO FUEL


IS BIO FUEL THE WAY TO GO?

Steps towards motoring without petrol and diesel came one stage closer recently, with Volkswagen, Shell and biotechnology firm Iogen agreeing to look into producing a new biofuel in Germany. A European Union directive on cutting greenhouse emissions means that by 2010, 5.75% of fuel in use in the EU has to be biofuels. In this agreement, VW, Shell and Iogen are looking to produce a new biofuel called cellulose ethanol, which is produced from the straw and leaves of agricultural cereals. Two vehicles that run on biofuels are already sold in Europe at the moment. Saab launched its 9-5 Biopower saloon and estate models in November of last year. These run on a bioethanol mix known as E85 and Saab claims this fuel cuts carbon dioxide emissions by 70%.

Bioenthanol-powered cars could offer the best of both worlds. They can run on bioethanol (effectively alcohol derived from fermented cereal crops), petrol or any mixture of the two. The concept of bioethanol is simple. The crops grown to produce the renewable bio-fuel absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This almost cancels out the carbon dioxide produced when the fuel is burnt. An engine using bio-ethanol produces no sulphur and generates less carbon dioxide than an engine using petrol. Currently, Saab has BioPower version of its 9-5, Ford is selling the Focus Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) and Renault has just released details for a Bio-Power Clio. In theory, this all sounds great, but just how useable is one of these bio-cars when compared to a petrol equivalent? Apart from the colorful livery on the car, there is no easy way to tell a bio-ethanol Focus from its conventional petrol sibling. Get in, turn the key, and drive off, and you won't notice anything different and you don't have to treat the car in any special way. The Focus FFV uses a 1.8-litre engine modified to cope with a mixture of ethanol and petrol. The engine constantly measures the combination of fuel in the tank and adjusts itself to get the best performance. That means you don't have to worry about what ratio you put in the tank -just fill up when you want to. Once you take into account that the crops grown to produce the ethanol have already absorbed carbon dioxide, the 1.8 FFV engine produces only 30% of the carbon dioxide emitted when running on petrol. Engine power is slightly improved when running purely on bioethanol, but only by five bhp you'll struggle to notice any real improvement.. Unlike LPG systems, there's no need for a separate fuel tank, hidden in the boot or spare wheel recess, so even luggage space isn't compromised. The Ford Focus FFV is priced between the existing 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre petrol-only models. As with any car in the Focus range, you can order it in LX, Sport, Zetec and Climate trim levels, and you can order from any Ford dealership. One area where the Focus FFV seems to let itself down is fuel economy. A tank of bioethanol will only take you about 200 miles and, according to the car's trip computer, this averages roughly 28mpg on a mixture of faster roads and urban driving.


Ford quotes an official combined fuel consumption of 40.4mpg for the FFV when run purely on petrol, but admits that will drop by up to 25% when you switch to bioethanol A litre of biofuel should be about 10 cent cheaper than unleaded. Drivers who use bioethanol currently pay 20% less fuel tax than for petrol and diesel, and company drivers will also pay slightly less road tax. Owning a biofuel car will not be practical yet around here, because it is almost impossible to get your hands on the fuel. However, in England last month, the supermarket chain Morrisons started selling biofuel and already has 10 stations up and running. Hopefully the large petrol companies in Ireland will add a pump to the forecorts. So, the future for bioethanol may look bright. Other parts of Europe are already keen on biofuel cars. In Sweden, 80% of all Ford Focus models sold are biofuel-ready, and Renault is claiming that by 2009, 50% of all its petrol-engined cars sold in Europe will be bio-powered. Currently all the bioethanol sold here is imported from Brazil, but the first two manufacturing plants are now being built in England, with production starting next year. The Ford Focus is one of the best small family cars on the market, and the FFV is a fine replacement for a conventional petrol model. Once more petrol stations stock the biofuel, and if the Government keeps the tax down, bioethanol cars could prove a real hit, especially as petrol prices are on a sharp incline.


Environmental.

THE DUCKS OF SWAN PARK


NOTE: Since writing this, Killian has set up the North West Wildlife Park. Check out the website by clicking on the title.



Recent visitors to Swan Park in Buncrana have been delighted to see ducks swimming about on the river. Many locals are bringing bags of bread on their walks to feed the ducks and enjoy their lively antics. But where did these domesticated mallards come from? The Inish Times tracked down Leaving Cert. student Killian McLaughlin from Scoil Mhuire to find out the full story.

Killian lives with his family in Swilly Road, Buncrana. Walking into his back garden is like walking into a wildlife park. A huge turkey is knocking on the french doors with his beak. A female turkey is sitting on eggs. Ducks and geese roam happily about the garden. Cages and pens hold quail, pheasants, lovebirds, parrots and all manner of beautiful and well cared for birds. Pigeons fly overhead and a cheeky orphaned blue-eyed jackdaw sticks his head though the aviary wire and chats to any one who’ll listen. Killian also has a baby peacock, ferrets, terrapins, a lizard and an Old English Sheepdog. He has built ponds, aviaries and sheds to care for his wildlife. Here he tells the story of the ducks of Swan Park.

In the autumn last year I purchased two ducks and a drake from a breeder. They were the first ducks I had ever kept so I had a lot to learn. I welcomed the challenge and cared for the ducks all winter watching them grow and mature.

Spring arrived and the two ducks began to lay. One duck built her nest of twigs, leaves and feathers close to the garden wall under a concealing immature willow tree. She laid 17 grey blue eggs over a period of as many days. She rarely left the nest, only to eat and drink. After the designated 28 days incubation time I looked under her. To my absolute astonishment three of the smallest black and yellow ducklings I had ever seen sat underneath their mother unphased by my presence. They made faint whistling noises.

Over the next three days the rest of the chicks began to hatch. After the fifth day I checked on her again and very unusually all seventeen had hatched. She began to leave the nest and take the ducklings on tours of the garden and the ponds.

Over the next few months I watched my duck family flourish. The mother duck also adopted four orphan ducks, which she treated as her own.. Unfortunately the day came when the family were going through more food in one day than the original ducks had eaten in a week. I offered the ducks to a good home with natural ponds and they seemed to be happy in their new home. However, after a while the ducks started to wander onto the road and a few of them disappeared. The new owner felt they needed a safer environment and chose Swan Park as their new home.

I only found out about this some time after they had been released and was very worried, as I did not believe domestic ducks would survive in the wild. I went to the Park with a net to try to recapture the birds. To my utter amazement the ducks were not the skeletons I had envisioned but were healthy and very beautiful drakes. As I could not have pictured a nicer setting for the ducks and they are getting a steady food supply from the river and from visitors providing bread I decided to let them stay.

Two ducks have since gone missing bringing the original six to four. The risks for these domesticated mallards are high. They can’t fly and could fall prey to otter, mink, foxes and even dogs. Carelessly discarded hooks, weights and lines could prove fatal to the ducks if ingested, so I would encourage fishermen to carefully dispose of their line and dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead. Although the risks are high the benefits outweigh the dangers. The ducks get to live their lives in freedom on a beautiful river and to feast on a wide variety of natural food. At present they possess very bright yellow beaks, which indicates that they are very healthy indeed.

Although these ducks appear happy on their river home I would not encourage the release of any more ducks onto the river system or any other river. This would put pressure on the environment to feed the population and it would put strain in the pecking order of the group of drakes. If another duck or drake was introduced this could result in the death or isolation of one, or the entire group.

The winter will prove hard for the four brothers on the river but I hope a constant supply of food from good willed walkers will see them through to the spring. If the ducks are respected, they could live for many years and be a great attraction in the park for countless kids to go and feed.


FINAL NOTE :These ducks are domesticated mallards and are NOT bred for the table.


Environmental.


A STROLL IN THE GARDEN WITH ROBERTA MORROW





This week we are in the lovely garden of St Mura’s National School in Buncrana talking to Roberta Morrow.

How long have you been working on the garden?

26 years. I inherited the garden from Mrs Emily Bryce a previous teacher. She and the children had planted some lovely shrubs and beautiful roses.

What is your favourite plant?


The cherry blossom. The children love the confetti like petals that fall.

What is your favourite feature in the garden?


The bird table. We have daily visits from blue tits and greenfinches.

What is your favourite season and why?


The spring. Watching the shoots from bulbs push their way up out of the ground. We have tulips and daffodils in the garden.

What work gives you the most pleasure in the garden?


Watching the wildlife return to the garden. We had starlings in the air vents before the renovations. We are looking forward to seeing more butterflies after planting some buddleia’s.

Any irritations in the garden. How do you cope?


Some of the daffodils get broken with footballs. We just gather them up and put them in the classroom.

What is your best gardening tool?


My hands. I don’t like wearing gloves.

Top Tip for spring?

Now is a great time for taking slips from honeysuckle and hydrangea. Cut off a twig just below a leaf node and stick them in the ground.

Any plans for the future?

A small shallow pond. And we’d love a garden seat to sit and enjoy the fruits of our labour!! We might even try growing a few herbs


Horticultural.


ME AND MY MOTOR-CAROLINE WALKER













Caroline Walker from Burnfoot is in the motoring spotlight this week. Caroline is a familiar sight around Buncrana and beyond with her mobile catering trailer (Caroline’s Chippy). The job demands a sturdy vehicle and what better than a 2005 Land Rover Discovery.


How long have you had the car?
I bought it from new two years ago.


Any plans to change?
No, I plan to hold on to it for a while longer yet.


Is it reliable?
It is. This is one of the benefits of having a newer vehicle.


Best thing about the car?
Four wheel drive is very handy and great for soft ground. The clutch is far tougher than other workhorses. You don’t smell the clutch burning like other 4X4’s that I have had.



How often do you wash it?
My husband, John, washes the car once a week



Any modifications?
It has corner enhancement and air suspension to cope with the trailer. I chose air suspension because the weight of the trailer is on the front end and this has been very heavy on tyre wear. A Mitsubishi 4X4 I had before this needed the back tyres to be changed after three months as they were down to the wire.



If you were the minister for finance what would you do to help motorists?
Consistency on the road surfaces. The bumps and hollows are accentuated when you tow a trailer.


What would you really like to be driving around in?
I would like to be driving around in our motorhome, that would mean we were on holiday!

Motoring.


Friday 27 April 2007

INJURED KESTREL


JOINT EFFORT SAVES AN INJURED KESTREL

Photo: (I am trying to find it on the computer!)

The kestrel is one of our most common birds of prey, and is often seen hovering over farmland and at the sides of main roads. With its long tail and narrow wings, it is easy to distinguish from most other bird species. Unfortunately they can succumb to the dangers of the industrial world.

Recently a kestrel was run over on the main Letterkenny road in Newtowncunningham. After the accident the bird was taken to the local vets who gave him the all clear after a short rest. He was then given over to the ISPCA, who in turn gave him to Killian Mc Laughlin in Buncrana to nurse him back to full health. Killian is well seasoned to looking after wild creatures and with his wealth of knowledge the bird was soon ready to put back into the wild. As the bird had not flown for a while, Killian put the kestrel into a large aviary to stretch his wings. . When the wings had strengthened and was ready to go back into the wild Killian phoned the ISPCA inspector Kevin McGinley who came and took him back to where he came from. It was successful, the bird flew round a few times to get his bearings then took off into the horizon.

To help these birds thrive in the countryside it helps to know a few details of their preferred hunting grounds. This bird exploits a broad range of habitats, including farmland, heaths, moors, parks, woodland edges and even town and city centres, but when feeding requires short grass or other low vegetation. The kestrel feeds largely on small mammals, especially the short-tailed vole, and small birds such as house sparrows. Invertebrates are also very important components of the diet; earthworms taken from cereal fields are particularly important during winter. Kestrels hunt by sight, and when hovering they are able to remain still even in strong winds. Upon spotting their quarry, they plunge to the ground, seizing the prey with their talons.

Kestrels nest in holes in trees, old buildings or in the abandoned nests of other birds, especially crows. Like many wild birds, the kestrel suffered as a result of the use of pesticides. The population declined rapidly during the 1970s, possibly as a result of agricultural intensification, habitat loss and a decline in populations of small mammal prey. Although the population seems to have remained stable during the last 15 years or so, there is some evidence that a further decline has occurred since 1994. The kestrel should benefit from measures aimed at improving farmland habitats for wildlife. Prescriptions such as unsprayed field margins and leaving stubble fields unploughed during the winter should increase the populations of small mammals and birds on which kestrels feed. Set-aside fields also provide good habitats for mice and voles.Lets hope that this kestrel has a long and happy life back in the wild and we continue to improve the countryside to accommodate a vast range of wildlife.


Environmental.

INISHOWEN POETS


(Click on the title for a link to Inishowen Poets site)

Here is a site for all you budding poets in Inishowen. Below is the introduction, check out the site for more information.

Welcome to Inishowen Poets, this is a new website set up for poets within the Inishowen area. If you have any poems you would like to publish on this site please contact me. You can find my contact details by clicking here.

I have just published my first edition titled "Anonymous In A Town That Talks" and it is currently on sale in various shops around the Inishowen peninsula. Alternatively, you can contact me and I would be more than happy to post a copy out.

Over the past 4 years I have been struggling to come to terms with a condition I refused to accept that I had. These are a selection of poems written over the period of time I spent incarcerated in various psychiatric hospitals. I used poetry to vent my frustrations and maintain my focus. The condition I was fighting to come to terms with is known as Bi Polar.

I am, who I am, I’m a Bi Polar…Bear!

To everyone who helped to supported me….SlĆ”inte!

Constantine O’Donnell August 2006

POND CARE





Now the weather is hot, ponds can get clogged up with weeds. The speed at which the whole surface of the water can be covered is startling. Twist blanket weed out of ponds with a long stick, that way you will not disturb the muck at the bottom of the pond. Leave the weed at the side of the pond overnight to let any insects run back into the water. If you have tadpoles in water, make sure there are places where they can crawl out once the legs have established. If they cannot get out of the water they will drown, and we do not want that now do we?

Horticultural.

FRUIT GARDEN


Cane fruits
Tie new canes of raspberries and blackberries on to support wires as they grow. Keep them separate from last year's shoots, which will flower, and fruit this summer.

BIRD CONTROL
Spread nets over soft fruit bushes, such as currants, and over strawberries growing in rows or in containers. Once blackbirds and other birds find fruits to their taste they will return again and again and will quickly strip plants of unprotected fruit.

ENCOURAGING BUDS
Sometimes buds on the stems of apple and pear trees remain dormant and don't develop. This isn't a problem unless you are trying to train the tree into a formal shape and need a shoot to grow from the exact position of the dormant bud. Notching is a technique you can use to try and force it into growth. Use a sharp knife to cut out a small piece of bark just above the bud. Do this during the growing season and the sap flowing along the stem will be directed towards the bud instead of by-passing it, and should encourage the bud to develop into a shoot.


Horticultural.

PRUNING SHRUBS


GENERAL CARE IN THE GARDEN


Many spring-flowering shrubs can be pruned as soon as their flowers have started to fade. Any shoots that have carried flowers can be cut back, shortening them to shape the shrub and control its size and vigour. Forsythia can grow large and ungainly if left to its own devices, so prune to give the shrub a definite shape and form. This and other shrubs, such as Berberis darwinii, are sometimes grown as hedges, so can be pruned to give a more formal structure. All the flowering stems of Prunus triloba can be pruned to their woody base, while selective pruning on philadelphus and weigela stops them getting large and woody. Make sure that there are no signs of birds nesting if the shrubs are large. If the signs are there then leave pruning until the birds have flown.

Horticultural.

A PRICELESS THING- POEM


I cannot buy it at the shop
Or purchase it on ebay.
You cannot wrap it up for me
And save it for my birthday.
This precious thing is priceless
And up there with the best
Of every special moment spent
At work or play or rest.
It’s hard to find the adjective
Or perfect turn of phrase
That best portrays the magic of
Endless summer days.
And moments snatched from stressful life
To mow the moss and rushes
That thrive on my beloved lawn,
That sweeps among the bushes.
The company of ancient rocks
While listening to the birds,
Or willing life for younger trees,
With tender coaxing words.
Just standing there and breathing in
The healing peace, the calm,
The joy that comes with feeling
That I know now who I am -
A lady with a passion and
I do not seek your pardon
For enjoying the simple pleasure
Of my Inishowen garden.

Thanks to Annette McNelis, Buncrana


Horticultural.


TREE LIFE


50 YEARS IN A TREE

An Indian octogenarian has reportedly spent half a century living in a tree after a tiff with his wife.

Gayadhar Parida took to staying in a mango tree after a quarrel over a 'tiny issue' with his wife 50 years ago. He moved trees when his first tree house was destroyed in a storm but he has never moved back into his home in Kuligaon, Orissa. Mr Parida, 83, said: "I had come to stay after disturbances with my wife. But after some days, I felt spiritualism had developed within my body. He apparently spends most of his time in the company of poisonous snakes and comes down only to drink water from a pool. Mr Parida accepts food offered to him by family members but no amount of coaxing has convinced him to leave his tree house. His son Babula, 55, said: "I have gone to the garden several times to woo him back but he vehemently refused to return. Hurt and dejected, I had to come back home."

Environmental.

INISHOWEN BUTTERFLIES

Photo:Dianthus.




(Click on the title for a link to the Inishowen Wildlife Club)


Bob Aldwell from the Dublin Field Club was at Dunree Fort last week to give a talk on butterflies. I stumbled into the room half an hour late with the family and eventually settled on a table at the back to find out more about what is happening to the butterflies in Inishowen. I know without being told that there is no shortage of the large and small white butterfly. These lay great numbers of eggs on the cabbages, broccoli and brussel sprout plant that we plant in the garden. In fact I am convinced they have joined forces and invested in a wheelbarrow as the plants are disappearing fast. I could go out and try to control them but they and most other butterflies are having a hard enough time without me joining in.

There are species that are suffering around the peninsula. The Large Heath butterfly is struggling because of the modern methods of cutting the turf on the bogs and the spread of conifer forestry plantations. The Marsh fritillary was common here but has not been seen for at least 9 years, again the impact of human activity has had a big impact. All is not lost though as a lot of butterflies are thriving and increasing in numbers now that we are using fewer chemicals on the land. The Green Hairstreak has been spotted in Moville this year and seems to have migrated from the Dublin area.

Our eagle eyed town gardener in Buncrana, George Mc Dermott spotted a Wall Brown butterfly this year, which is also a first in Inishowen.Most butterflies can live happily in your own garden and they do not necessarily have to munch away at your vegetables. Certain plants are big attractions for them. Buddleia and Sedum ‘brilliant’ will attract loads of varieties and even neglected areas covered with nettles will be a haven. Some annuals to plant could be Dill Calendula Candytuft Cosmos Petunias, Nasturtium and Zinnias. Perennials could include: Achillea, Dianthus, Asters, Erigeron, Mints and Sedums. Shrubs that could be effective at attracting the butterfly other than Buddleia could include Potentillas, Spireas Weigela and Viburnums. The more types of planting mean that there are more chances of attracting a greater variety of butterflies. The Inishowen Wildlife Club would be interested if you see any butterflies that are unusual in the garden. E-mail inishowenwildlife.com or check out their website.


Environmental.

Thursday 26 April 2007

DEAD SEAL ON THE WHITE STRAND

(Click on the title for a link to the Irish Seal Sanctuary)

A dead seal was found washed up on the White Strand beach in Buncrana last Thursday. The animal was first spotted near the pier earlier in the week, still alive and in obvious distress from an injury that looked like a gunshot wound. Seals are a protected species under European law and shooting the animals can only be undertaken with a licence issued by the Department of the Environment (section 4). According to a spokesperson for the DOE, none have been granted in Inishowen or the surrounding peninsulas this year.

There are two types of seal that live in the sea around Inishowen, the Atlantic Grey seal and the Common, or Harbour seal, as it is also known. Many see seals as an attraction to the coastline and their antics are often though to be endearing, however they are not universally welcomed.

UNWELCOME GUESTS

As a seals’ main diet is fish they have been found hanging around salmon farms. This can cause stress and subsequent loss of condition to the fish stock, however the more immediate and damaging problem is when a seal discovers that it can break into a salmon cage and gorge itself. The remaining fish escape to cause their own problems breeding with the wild populations of salmon, not to mention the financial loss of the fish themselves. Fish farmers are well aware of the damage a “rogue” seal can cause to their financial welfare. Seals can also hit the individual fisherman and ruin whole catches before they are brought ashore. As the seas get warmer more seals arrive around the Irish coast.

So, how can this problem be tackled?


There are devices on the market that have been designed to scare away seals. These products either use the hunting calls of species such as Killer Whales or else high frequency sounds to discourage seals from hanging around fish farms. These do work, but only for a limited time because the seals do become habituated to the noises, after which they will ignore them. When a single seal has found an easy food source, and stays around to exploit it, another way out that has been tried is to remove the individual seal from the area. The idea is that if this seal is removed the problem goes (although a new seal may take it’s place). The easiest way and unfortunately, the commonest way to remove the ‘problem’ is to shoot the seal. Shooting can be very effective, not only as it rids the area of a persistent “rogue”, but it may then deter other seals from visiting the area. In other instances around Ireland there have allegedly been reports that fish have had packets of strychnine sewn into them and the bodies then hung in the nets to poison the seals.

The other solution is to try to catch the seal and relocate it. This is not an easy task, but it works if the seal is moved far enough away from the original site. Some seals migrate so they have the ability to return “home” if they know where it is. In one case (as reported by the Seal Sanctuary) a seal was caught and released over forty miles away from its home, only to reappear a short time later! Catching seals is not an easy job though. What has happened in the past with this type of expensive, drawn out act is that eventually public interest dies down and the seal looses its novelty value and the intruder mysteriously “disappears”. Although it is illegal to shoot a seal, the people responsible for the acts are very rarely caught and prosecuted.

SEAL COUNT
The National Parks and Wildlife board in connection with the University of Cork will be attempting to count the number of Atlantic Grey seals around the Irish coastline in August and September of this year. The Common seal was counted in 2003 by helicopters using thermal imaging and their numbers were said to total around 3000. The Grey seal generally moves around more but at this time of year they are breeding so tend to stay in one place. Their numbers are estimated to be in the region of 4000. A precise count though will give the Department of the Environment a clear indication of where the population of the seals is highest and whether it is causing any problems for the livelihoods of people involved in the fishing industry. The seal rookeries around our coastline are on the rocks that appear in low tide and the population will tend to reduce in numbers as the grey seal split its time between here, Scotland and Wales. Unfortunately for them, their food source puts them in competition with us for the rich fish supplies around the coastline. For tourists pulling into Buncrana on the ferry and seeing a distressed dying seal that has been shot, isn’t much of a welcome. A spokesperson for the DOE says that the government is aware of the situation and they are trying to find an effective, humane and environmentally sensitive solution to this problem. In the meantime the Irish seal sanctuary based in Garristown Co Dublin are coming up with nets and traps to humanely move offending animals and relocate them in areas that are not fished. This organization runs on donations and can be contacted on 01 835 4370 or
www.irishsealsanctuary.ie. If you have any information about the seal please contact the National Parks and Wildlife officer Emmett Johnston on 074 9322628

Environmental.

GARDEN DESIGN-WANTS LIST


FEATURE- TICK THE THINGS YOU WOULD LIKE OR DISLIKE IN YOUR GARDEN.


ESSENTIAL -IMPORTANT- WOULD LIKE -NOT WANTED


Herbaceous border


Flower beds


Trees


Lawn


Shrub border


Gravelled area


Paved area


Permanent barbecue


Furniture


Rock garden


Pond


Other water feature


Greenhouse/conservatory


Wildlife area



Summerhouse


Shed/store


Herb garden


Fruit garden


Vegetable garden


Trellis/arch


Sandpit/play area


Washing line


Compost bin


Water butt


Hobby area (e.g. bees)


Strong likes


Strong dislikes


Preference for any colour


Others



Horticultural.


GARDEN DESIGN-PLANNING IDEAS

Photo: Ferns for a shady spot.



PLANNING A GARDEN

Most of us have little difficulty watering our plants, finding a patch for the sweet peas or mowing the grass. When it comes to the planning of a garden though, even the most seasoned gardener can break out into a sweat. I did a garden design course a few years ago to make the planning of a garden a little easier. One thing the course taught me is that some of the best-designed gardens in the country have come, not from professional training, but by trial and error. Over the years dedicated gardeners will plant shrubs, lay paths, create herbaceous borders and put in water features. Then the next year everything could change. The garden is a living thing and like all of us, changes all the time (hopefully for the better!)

There are as many designs for gardens as there are gardeners and some people wouldn’t dream of doing anything in the garden unless a professional landscaper was present. The instant garden is very popular at the moment. This can be disappointing for the customer when they realise that they might have to wait a few years for their escallonia hedge to reach six feet in height!

I remember seeing a company that delivered your garden on pallets after you chose the style you wanted. The garden, containing grass herbaceous plants, shrubs and even ornaments were dropped off and pieced together like a jigsaw. The plants stayed on the pallets so they could be taken away again and changed to suit the season.

I find it more satisfying to wait for plants to mature and fill the spaces where they were planted. It is also much cheaper too. A small hedging plant will cost a couple of euro where a five-year-old one could cost ten times that amount. The small shrubs soon catch up. I have been visiting some friends over the holidays that moved into a new estate ten years ago. When we first visited the gardens were plain lawns. Over the years I’ve seen small shrubs, trees and plants mature, beds and features added making gardens private and the estate attractive. Whilst we are on the subject of things growing larger, take this into consideration when you are buying any plant, but especially trees. You might decide to create a small, sunny garden with a cherry tree in the middle. This will be fine for the first few years, but the tree will keep on growing and put all the other plants in the shade. You will have to go out and buy shade loving plants such as hostas and ferns to grow in the dimly lit garden instead, which would be totally the opposite to the original design (personally I like hostas and ferns which is just as well as it is north-facing)!

A good garden designer will listen to your ideas and then put them into a workable plan. There could be ideas that you have that will not work and a designer could advise you otherwise, saving you time and money. On the other hand if you are brave you can create your own ideas yourself, If they don’t work you can try something different. The only disadvantage in this is that you only have yourself to blame if something looks a bit daft. But whose judging anyway -it’s fun and a great way to learn! You can start on a small area of the garden first as implementing a design can be costly- more on this next week!

Next week we will look at how to get started with the plan. Your homework is to think of what you would like to include in your new garden and write it down.


Horticultural.

GARDEN DESIGN-PLANT USE


Photo: Magnolia flower




PLANTS USE IN THE GARDEN

Plants themselves can be important design elements, though few gardeners actually use them this way. If you have an artistic nature you can have great fun playing with where you put plants or how you prune them to bring out a certain look in your garden. The arching branches of a well-pruned cherry tree can frame an entire garden. The repetition of soft, grey-leaved plants or spiky foliage can be used as a theme in a long border. If you take the time to notice and experiment with the form, texture, and colour of plants, you will discover a whole new palette of design elements with which to work from.

This is a three-dimensional consideration that takes into account the shapes and volumes of the plants in your garden. A variety of different forms make a garden interesting, but too much diversity creates visual confusion. Trees and shrubs have characteristic forms that should be carefully combined to avoid clashing. Flowers, too, have characteristic shapes: the rounded heads of alliums, verbena, and globe thistle; the vertical spikes of delphinium, snapdragons, and veronica; and the strong architectural lines of a large cordyline. Experiment by grouping plants with the same form into a drift, or by repeating a pleasing composition of different forms several times.

Texture: Plants have a tactile quality that can be used as a valuable design tool. Think about how the glossy leaves of holly, magnolia, and roses contrast with the suede-like foliage of lamb's ears, heliotrope, and coleus. Or how the fat and fleshy leaves of a sedum differ from the needle-like foliage of rosemary or the quilted leaves of a blue-green hosta. Flowers also provide textural interest. They can be rich and velvety like a rose, or as thin and translucent as a poppy. Even tree bark contributes textural interest - especially during the winter months.

Colour: Entire books have been written about using colour as a design tool. You can approach colour as a technician, using the colour wheel to create harmonious combinations, or you can use your own eyes and emotions to guide you in creating the look and feel you want. Combining colours in new and interesting ways offers a lifetime of exciting possibilities.

As a general rule, red, orange and yellow are colours that jump out at you. They are lively and stimulating, and give the impression that they are closer to the eye than they actually are. If you plant too many hot-coloured flowers, and don't balance them with cool-coloured, less assertive plants, your garden will be a jumble of blaring trumpets. Green, blue, and violet are cool colours. In the garden these flowers create a more soothing, restful feeling, and tend to recede into the distance.

Horticultural.

GARDEN DESIGN-POINTS TO NOTE




POINTS TO NOTE WHEN DRAWING YOUR PLAN

What direction does the garden face (aspect) e.g. south facing.

Mark out the entrances and exits.

Check the soil type (pH) and assess the type of soil to see what plants would do well. E.g. sandy or peaty.

Note structures and outbuildings
Shed
Garage
Compost bin
Greenhouse
Washing line
Dog kennel
Others
Paths

Lawns

Flowerbeds and rockeries

Vegetable beds

Trees

Walls and trellis

Patio area

Does any rubbish need to be cleared and is the drainage good?




Horticulural.

GARDEN DESIGN -PLANNING IDEAS


CHECKLIST FOR THE GARDEN

Here are few points to look at when planning the garden.

Garden use is it another room? :Do you want a patio, water feature? Do you want parties or just a place to relax?

Children’s play area :will this include tough grass, swings, sandpit and non-spikey plants?

Pets:
do the pets need to be enclosed in the garden?

Disabled or elderly: do you need to include ramps instead of steps if there will be people with mobility restrictions using the garden? Will you need sensory or aromatic plants and raised beds?

Any difficult features to consider: such as slopes or rocks and will they need to be excavated?

Low maintenance or labour intensive: gravel beds, polythene, container-grown plants or open soil.

Views: Is there a view that needs to be screened such as an oil tank or even the neighbours house?

Themes: if the garden is large you might want to section it off and have different styles.

Are there any features that must stay such as telegraph poles, sheds or washing lines?

Budget
:work out a budget for the work and give yourself a time scale. Do you want to do the work yourself or get in a contractor?

Planting to soften the hard landscaping: Do you want to attract wildlife into the garden?

Do you want to include fruit and vegetables?

Do you want year round interest or a burst of colour in summer?



Horticultural.

COOKER CARE





Dear Ian.
I read your article about solar cookers. It was interesting but I have just got a normal gas cooker. I have a job on keeping it clean, have you any suggestions” GF. Derry

Reply
Your gas cooker is probably the most frequently used appliance in your kitchen and therefore the most important. The time you spend caring for it correctly is well worthwhile. Gas cookers have few moving parts and when kept clean will operate trouble-free. The trick to maintaining a gas cooker is to clean it often, before grease or burnt food particles begin to build up. Ensure that any spillage is cleaned immediately, as food spills that reach into the stove and clog the pilot light burners, or settle in the main burners and clog the gas outlet holes, will cause the stove to operate erratically.

Enamel areas
Wipe over while still warm with a damp, soapy cloth.
Dry with a soft cloth.
Always wipe spills as soon as safely possible, so they do not dry or cook on, remembering to turn off the gas flame first.

Use bicarbonate of soda remove stubborn marks and avoid scouring pads or powder, which can scratch enamels. Adverts on the TV show chemical cleaners fighting grease. There is a time delay of a few minutes to let the product soak into the mess. If you use water it does just the same job, is far cheaper and better for the environment!

Control panel
Wipe over and occasionally remove and wash knobs.
Wipe off any build up on the panel.

Burners
For day to day cleaning, wipe over the burners after each use.
Aluminium should be rubbed over with soapy steel wool pads.
Brass and stainless steel should be washed in hot, soapy water.
Always rinse and dry well.
Light burners to check they have been put on correctly.

Pan supports or trivets
Wash in hot, soapy water.
If they are very greasy soak in a solution of one tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda to 4.5 litres of very hot water.

Grill

Remove grill tray.
Wash tray in hot, soapy water. Rinse and dry well.
Wipe out grill compartment with a warm, soapy cloth.
Clean racks as for oven shelves.

Oven
There are two types of finishes-enamel and catalytic (self-cleaning). The catalytic surface is specially treated so it requires care when using (see manufacturer's instructions).
It is easier to clean the oven while it is still warm, but not hot.

Remove shelves and other moveable parts and wash in a hot water detergent solution.
Wipe over oven shelves, occasionally rubbing with a soapy fine steel-wool pad, make sure it doesn’t fetch off any protective coatings though. Rinse.

Glass areas
Clean over with a hot, soapy cloth - remember most oven doors lift off for easy cleaning.
Avoid soaking glass doors as it may damage the insulation.




Household.

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