Tom and Michael Keane manage species-rich grasslands with very rare plants alongside the Shannon Estuary in Co. Limerick
Michael (L) and Tom (R) receiving their Farming for Nature Ambassador Award
Protecting Heritage Breeds and Unique Habitats for Wildlife – Limerick Brothers are new Farming for Nature Ambassadors
- Michael and Tom Keane exclusively rear native and rare breeds on their farms near Askeaton, Co. Limerick
- The brothers’ methods of managing livestock ensures the survival of rare flora only otherwise found in the Burren
- They join a network of 104 farmers all around the country farming for nature
Tom and Michael Keane farm 135 hectares between them on a unique holding along the banks of the Shannon Estuary in Co. Limerick. They are farming organically since their Special Area of Conservation status was designated over 20 years ago. They’ve now been recognized for the amazing results their careful land management has achieved by Farming for Nature.
They were nominated for the award by Dr. Barry O’Donoghue from the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Barry commented that ‘the diversity and number of features on the farm, from turloughs to saltmarsh and lagoons, to dry-stone walls and calcareous species-rich grassland, various bat species and rare butterflies, solitary bees, crayfish and much more, is something I have rarely seen in my extensive experience across Ireland.’
Their land has been frequently visited by botanists and researchers in search of rare flora like the Bee Orchids and Butterfly Orchid in their species-rich grasslands. These rare plants are usually only otherwise seen in the Burren.
Michael and Tom are passionate supporters of heritage breeds. Tom has been the driving force behind conserving the ancient Droimeann breed, as well as the founder of the Irish Native Rare Breeds Society. He also rears Galway sheep. Equally, Michael was a founding member of the Little Milk Company keeping Shorthorns, Red Polls amongst others on his dairy farm.
‘the diversity and number of features on the farm, from turloughs to saltmarsh and lagoons, to dry-stone walls and calcareous species-rich grassland, various bat species and rare butterflies, solitary bees, crayfish and much more, is something I have rarely seen in my extensive experience across Ireland’
Dr. Barry O’ Donoghue, National Parks and Wildlife Service
They are ACRES participants as well as following an NPWS Farm Plan. Amongst other things, they have installed otter holts and provided accommodation for the Lesser Horseshoe Bat. They propagate native trees from seed, particularly Hazel and plant them into scrub. They both have a deep connection to nature and are incredibly knowledgeable and generous about sharing their knowledge about the ecological and cultural history of their area.
A short film recorded on Michael and Tom’s farm can be viewed on the Farming for Nature YouTube channel – Farming for Nature – YouTube
The Farming For Nature project was set up to support, encourage and inspire farmers who farm, or who wish to farm, in a way that will improve the natural health of our countryside.
