Book Reviews
What our reviewers say (so far!):
An invaluable resource for the rapidly growing community who are discovering that farming with nature is the only way forward.
Darina Allen, food journalist & advocate, Ballymaloe Cookery School & Organic Farm
Imagine if there was one single book that could address the incredibly complex issue of converting our current agricultural enterprises towards a more nature-sympathetic way? This is it. Genuinely. It’s a handbook like no other. A revolutionary reimagining of farming in Ireland; an exploration of how farmers can take back sovereignty of the land and control of their own fate, by reestablishing a more harmonious, equitable, fruitful and stable relationship with nature. These pages can help set land owners on a path towards a sustainable future for themselves and their descendants
The Farming for Nature Handbook is an optimistic, clarion call, offering practical, detailed steps on how to pivot our current debilitating farming practises towards regeneration and sustainable futures. Covering all aspects of farming, from mental health, to crop yields, from laying hedges to digging lakes. This is an invaluable resource for those wishing to integrate new techniques/modalities with traditional practises, to diversify farm enterprises, and ultimately to leave a farm for their descendants that will be more fertile, viable and resilient than it is now.
A concise, comprehensive and inspiring handbook to a sustainable future on this island. Full of practical protocols and concise, impactful insights, covering everything from holistic grazing, native breeds, composting, meadows, natural pastures, hedge laying, beetle banks, etc.
An inspiring and wide-ranging insight into how farming can be a major pillar in tackling climate change.
Manchán Magan, writer, TV presenter & homesteader
Wow – what a wonderful manual this is! It comprehensively covers a whole variety of nature friendly ideas for farms – whatever the enterprise – big or small, upland or lowland. The illustrations are really lovely.
The importance of working with and for nature has never been more important, and farming has a unique opportunity to deliver on that more than any other sector.
Mechanisation, while an essential part of modern agriculture, has in a way moved us away from nature. Whether we are whizzing around in our quad bikes, or high above the ground in our tractors, we probably see less than ever before. That why this book is so important, it gets us thinking, reconnects with our landscapes, and the ecology within. From soils and hedgerows to trees and waterways…so much is covered; and with fascinating insights from farmers who work with nature everyday, and see the economic benefits too. A beautiful, uplifting and inspiring read for any farmer or landowner.
Pippa Hackett, Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity
This book is essential reading for both farmers and non-farmers who want to do their part to stop biodiversity decline. I wish that I had a copy when I started my farming career, it’s a must have for any nature lover’s library.
Hannah Quinn Mulligan, journalist, RTE broadcaster & farmer
The Farming for Nature handbook is packed with examples of farmer’s experiences of working with nature to make the farm richer in every way. It offers helpful tips on everything from improving soil function and fertility; enhancing grassland biodiversity; protecting the cultural and natural value of hedgerows; improving tree cover; and allowing life in wetlands and waterways to bounce back. Practical actions are outlined with real-life experiences of farmers who have carried out these actions already. Whether you are a seasoned nature friendly farmer or at the beginning of a journey to welcoming nature back in to your land, this beautifully laid out and illustrated handbook is essential reading for everyone.
Anja Murray, ecologist, broadcaster & author
The Farming for Nature handbook is a beautifully illustrated guide to farming for nature that can be applied across diverse agricultural settings. It covers everything from grassland to arable systems to smaller scale gardens. It contains advice on the management of an extensive range of nature positive features on farms from hedgerows to wetlands to native woodland and agroforestry. The book is inspired by and collates the experiences of farming for nature ambassadors supported by extensive research. What sets this manual apart is that it is peppered throughout with advice and insights written by farmers for farmers. These farming for nature ambassadors demonstrate the art of what is possible. The book highlights the benefits of farming for nature not just for the environment on which we depend, but also associated benefits related to enhancing resilience to climate change and improving farm profitability. I would highly recommend it for all farmers and members of the wider community interested in how we can enhance nature on our farms.
Dr James Moran, senior lecturer at ATU and policy advisor of agri-ecology at EU level
The Farming For Nature initiative, supported by my Department, provides various information resources for those looking to manage land with nature in mind. The website has a myriad of examples, guides, videos and so on. When my officials in National Parks & Wildlife Service devised this concept of a physical, tangible book, I knew this was something very worthwhile and we were happy to provide further support. It is likely to be on the kitchen dresser or in the office or in the jeep for years to come; something that can be dipped into at various times of the year and for various interests.
Malcolm Noonan, Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service is proud to support the Farming For Nature initiative by way of funding and advice. I am very happy to see this [book] come to fruition and as core funders of the project, NPWS are proud to have enabled this. The authors and all contributors are to be commended and this book should have a positive and lasting legacy.
Dr Barry O’ Donoghue, Assistant Principal at the National Parks & Wildlife Service
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine have been a supporter of the FFN initiative since its beginning and are delighted to see the cumulation of their positive work brought together in this handbook. It will be an invaluable resource for the farming community but also for anyone with an interest in farmland biodiversity. Farmers are the custodians of nature in our landscape and this handbook is a record and reminder of the vital role they play. It is sure to become a familiar reference point in many households for years to come.
Niall Ryan, Agricultural Inspector, Nature and Land Use Division, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
