HARD to believe in an era when items from our past are disappearing by the day that more than 100,000 industrial sites from previous centuries still survive.

THE mysterious world beneath the waves is a continuing source of fascination which, through the use of ever-improving technology, is giving up more of its secrets.

FARMERS are often described as custodians of the environment, but that’s not always true. They could have an even more important future role as custodians — with more financial sweeteners being given to farmers that do most for our landscape, which has already suffered so much destruction.

THE summer just past was one of the best in living memory for drying turf.

A TRADITIONAL sea-faring craft closely identified with western coastal communities is enjoying a new lease of life.

SUMMER wouldn’t be the same without the drone of bees, as they busily and noisily convert nectar extracted from flowers to honey.

FAMOUS for the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher, Co Clare has many other natural attractions, which will soon be documented in a bid to aid their preservation.

IT’S the time of year when many people explore the shoreline, cagily wet their toes in the incoming tide, more daringly breast the white-fringed waves, or simply stroll along our beaches.

WITH temperatures hitting a sizzling 30º Celsius during the recent heat wave, we were given a taste of what summers will be like in Ireland as the 21st century progresses.

TIME is running out for the Government to ensure that drinking water quality is up to EU standards.