Armagh beauty-spot bodies 'are health hazard'

Councillors in South Armagh say the bodies of dead animals dumped at a beauty spot pose a hazard to health.The carcasses of sheep and cows were illegally left in the Slieve Gullion area and risk contaminating streams and farms in the district.

Footpath closed after birds attack

Marauding birds have forced the closure of a Bowland footpath.Half a dozen people have been attacked by a pair of eagle owls which is nesting close to the path, to the North of Dunsop Bridge.

Via ferrata 'will not affect Fleetwith access'

The setting up of the country’s first via ferrata route has prompted concerns about access in the area.The route, using steel steps and ladders to scale Honister Crag, was set up by Honister Slate Mine.

New arrival for Donegal eagles

Conservation officers are celebrating the birth of the first wild golden eagle to be raised in Ireland for nearly 100 years.The chick was hatched in the Glenveagh National Park, County Donegal, by a pair of birds introduced as part of a project to re-establish the breed.

Welsh mountain race man dies after fall

A mountain race competitor died after falling in Snowdonia yesterday.Sgt Paul Upton, a member of the Parachute Regiment, fell 150m on Carnedd Llewelyn, above the Ffynnon Llugwy reservoir.

Outdoor retail boss walks as shops close

Struggling outdoor retail group Blacks Leisure has parted company with its chief executive.Russell Hardy will receive an undisclosed payout after being ousted from the post following disappointing trading.

Farms open across Britain this Sunday

Farmers will be throwing open their gates this weekend to show what goes on behind the cowsheds and haybarns.Open Farm Sunday involves agricultural concerns across Great Britain ranging from smallholdings to colleges and members of the public can get a close-up view of animals as diverse as alpacas and reindeer.Drystone walling demonstrations, milking, animal husbandry and harvesting will all be on view at selected farms.

Mountain council website relaunches

The promised makeover of the British Mountaineering Council's website has taken place, giving the venerable old edifice a lick of paint and a more modern look.Navigation is a little easier and there is an increase in the use of graphics and photographs.

Salmond: wait and see on access reform

Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond said Parliament must wait for the outcome of pending legal processes before considering whether the country’s right-to-roam laws need reforming.He was speaking following the successful appeal of Stagecoach millionaire Ann Gloag against an order to open land to the public at her £4m Kinfauns Castle estate.