Although we don’t have much planned over the summer there is plenty going on locally and around the country on the theme of transitioning. Here’s a couple of events over the next two weeks that you might be interested in.
Heritage wheat and oat varieties
Camphill Jerpoint, Thomastown, Tuesday 11th August, 7-8pm, Free
This is a return visit to the trial wheat plantings that were carried out during our “Grow your own cereal” course last spring. The wheat is almost ready to be harvested (weather permitting) and this evening is a chance to observe this “visual treat” of 30 different varieties dating from Roman times right through to the present day. Participants of the spring course as well as anybody else who is interested are welcome to attend. Contact Brian (0567725913) or Michal (0863104638) if you can make it.
Edible and Medicinal Herb Identification
Marlfield Lake, Clonmel, Sunday 9th August, 3:30pm, Free
This event is being organised by the Transition Town Clonmel group.
Are you interested in finding our more about wild plants and their uses? Come along and learn about our local natural heritage, the amazing variety of plants that are hiding in our local habitats, how to identify them and how they can be used. This family event will be led by herbalist Christine Maxwell with assistance from ecologist Mieke Muyllaert. You are welcome to bring along plants you want identified and if you would like to make a reference book to take home bring an old book or notebook (no glossy pages) to press the plants in. Please bring stout shoes and rain gear – we will go ahead whatever the weather! If the weather is fine bring a picnic. As parking is limited at the lake, we would ask that people walk, cycle or car-share. Enquiries to Mieke Muyllaert (0526127930).
Full Permaculture & Powerdown Course
Cloughjordan EcoVillage, Tipperary, 21st-30th August, €550
This event is being organised by the Irish Transition Network and the Cloughjordan EcoVillage.
Topics include… Ecological Thinking * Energy * Passive Solar Design * Natural Building * Permaculture Principles * Community Design * Energy * Resilience Thinking * Natural and Human Systems * Forest Gardens * Energy Descent Planning * Charcoal Making * Local Economics * Eco-village Design * Transition Towns * Bioregionalism
The training focuses on the diversity, stability and resilience of natural ecosystems to provide a framework and guidance for people to develop their own sustainable solutions to the problems facing their world. This training is probably the most empowering anyone involved in Transition or developing sustainable community could take.
Tutors include: Graham Strouts, Kinsale College of Further Education, Davie Philip of Cultivate, Albert Bates of the Farm, Tennessee, and Klaudia van Gool, UK Permaculture teacher. Plus many of Irelands leading sustainability thinkers.
The price is €550 with a 10% concession for Cultivate, Transition and Village members. This price includes camping and a light lunch each day. Accommodation in Cloughjordan can be arranged.
Places are limited. To book call 01 6745773. For more info click here.
Climate Camp
Shannonbridge, Co. Offaly, 15th-23rd August, Free (as far as I know!)
Inspired by the Climate Camps in the UK, ClimateCamp Ireland launches it’s first climate camp this year from 15th August. Its a nine day marathon of over 70 talks and workshops on everything from Cob Oven Building to Climate Change and Economic Growth to Musical Oil Rigs and Climate Puppets. It makes for a fantastic line up of speakers and subjects with something for everyone and plenty of campfire sessions late into the evenings. Check out the program here.