A FEW recent sightings of red squirrels in places where I had not seen them previously offers some hopes about the welfare of the species, despite reports that our native red is under serious threat from the imported American grey squirrel.

A CO CORK company is proving that jobs can be created in the wind energy industry here without intruding on the landscape or damaging the environment.

OCTOBER can be among the best periods in which to experience the woodlands when they are changing their colours from largely green to russet, brown and golden autumn hues.

OCTOBER can be among the best periods in which to experience the woodlands when they are changing their colours from largely green to russet, brown and golden autumn hues.

TOURISTS sometimes photograph disused farm buildings in the countryside and seem to find them endlessly fascinating.

A SHARP decline in the number of salmon entering a well-known angling river could close it as a fishery in 2013.

PEOPLE fret nowadays when there’s a focus on the impact of a development, such as a windfarm on wildlife.

A DECLINE in traffic on the roads has become very noticeable since the recession began — a trend that’s likely to continue due to the increasing price of petrol and diesel.

IN the days when youngsters spent seemingly endless time fishing for brown trout, they would sometimes catch an eel, of which there was a plentiful supply in our lakes and rivers.

GLORIOUS fuchsia, so much part of the landscape of West Cork and Kerry, seems to be growing in greater profusion than ever this year, as anyone travelling those areas can testify.