September 21
–
11:00 am
–
1:30 pm
Farming for Nature Ambassador Series Farm Walk
Sept 21 – Farming for the Head, Heart and the Pocket – Regenerative Systems for Sustainable Farming
The Farming for Nature farm walks are an opportunity for our Ambassadors to showcase their contribution to nature and good farming practices on their land.
James Gilmartin is a 7th generation farmer, who farms alongside his father in North County Leitrim. James takes a wonderfully holistic approach to his farm, recognising and valuing its importance from an environmental, a productivity and a social/cultural point of view. James runs a mixed organic farm. He keeps a suckler herd and a small herd of Dexters, as well as a small flock of sheep. Part of the farm is commonage and a very important HNV habitat for various flora and fauna species, including the endangered Marsh Fritillary butterfly.
Much of the grassland is species-rich permanent pasture. James recognises the nature value of his farm and manages the land with this in mind – “As a farmer, the natural world is your office!” He doesn’t want to push the land beyond its natural capability, thus low stocking density, low external inputs and extensive management of the land are crucial elements of his farming system. With a keen interest in regenerative agriculture, James has been trialling holistic planned grazing on the farm for the past year. Through the NPWS Farm Plan Scheme, James is just one of three farmers currently trialling NoFence cattle collars to deliver targeted grazing in an upland setting. He has installed PV panels on the shed roof. There is a small pond on the farm and James enjoys planting trees and hedges on the farm every year. He keeps a small number of bees on the farm as well.
Saturday, September 21 at 11am
Tickets costs €10. Limited places available. Book your place
here
These events have been jointly supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
