AT a time of large-scale use of pesticides in gardens, it’s strange that one of nature’s great pest controllers is coming under threat from such chemicals.

JUST as the presence, or absence, of fish can tell us a lot about the quality of water in rivers andlakes, butterflies are known as an indicator species for measuring changes in the environment.

Donal Hickey on efforts to boost the domestic market

SUMMER is here and so are the jet skis. Bathers, and others who flocked to the beaches during the recent warm spell, complained about the dangers of motorist craft in the water.

SOME things most definitely never change — the compelling beauty of Killarney, hordes of American tourists alighting from buses, boats on the lakes and the age-old Gap of Dunloe.

TURF cutting may be banned several years before an anticipated ban comes into force. The turf-cutting season is well underway, but it could be one of the last.

DOOR-TO-DOOR canvassing is a great eye-opener, you might even say an education, for politicians in regard to changes in the countryside.

TWO out of every five Irish families visit a forest each year and it’s a fair bet that May is among the most popular months for such visitation. Many people regard May as the most beautiful month of the year, a time when nature is renewed and in full bloom.

THE native red squirrel, once a common animal in many parts of the country, is under threat from the American grey squirrel which came here about 100 years ago.

ONE of the consequences of massive development has been the destruction of boglands.