Plants

Processors are being forced to incinerate skins at the cost of €3-5 per animal as market for sheep skins collapses.

Children across the country are being encouraged to step outside the classroom and plant a hawthorn tree this autumn, writes Deirdre Verney.

The AD plant at Clandeboye receives ROCs payments for generating renewable electricity, plus payments are also received for exporting surplus electricity.

The spindle tree, known for its slender stems, earned its name from its historical use in crafting spindles for spinning wool, writes Gerry Daly.

Find out what caught the eye of the team this week.

There is great optimism in starting new life when everything else is winding down in the autumn garden, writes Mary Keenan.

As autumn progresses, and the flowers tail off slowly, by the end of September, the harlequin glory leaves begin to take on autumn hues, writes Gerry Daly.

It's a great time to reflect back and to reap the rewards of all your efforts in the garden as you enjoy your fruit and vegetables, writes Kitty Scully.