THE morning cloak of mist lingering among dense woodland, on the first day of September, highlighted 'meteorological' summer's end and the ponderous transition towards autumn.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin laid the foundation stone to mark the start of phase two of the works.

FOR many, I'm sure the dry, hot weather during the second week of August provided a welcome opportunity to enjoy some typical outdoor summer activities.

THE fascinating stories found behind some of Belfast's doorways will be unlocked during this year's Open Heritage Belfast free programme of events from Monday September 5.

BELFAST City Council has set up a new washing team to carry out "specialist cleans" of shopping streets following complaints about littering and dumped waste.

THERE'S little better than escaping to the solitude and calm of the great outdoors.

BARN owl chicks have successfully bred at a farm in Co Down just a year after nest boxes were set up.

LEGEND tells us that the thistle was elevated to the significant position of national emblem of Scotland after its presence alerted sleeping Scottish warriors of an imminent attack by Norwegian invaders in 1263.

Representatives for US singer Taylor Swift have hit back after the performer was named 'biggest celebrity CO2 polluter of the year'.

The government passed the bill as part of a bid to reduce the country’s gas consumption.

The Woodland Trust has created walking trails through Mourne Park near Kilkeel.

DURING a short stay in Donegal's north west recently, I enjoyed the opportunity to re-familiarise myself with its spectacular rugged coastline, numerous bays and refreshing waters, all under the watchful eye of a dominant Errigal mountain and her Derryveagh sisters.