We would like to introduce our most recent Ambassador, Pádraic Ó Flaithearta from the Aran Islands. We are delighted to include Pádraic in our network of Farming For Nature Ambassadors. These individuals have been chosen in acknowledgement of their long-standing commitment and contribution to farming for nature on their land and in their community
Pádraic Ó Flaithearta runs a small suckler farm on Inis Mór, Co. Galway. The farm is predominantly composed of orchid-rich calcareous grasslands and machair, two priority habitats under the EU Habitats Directive, as a result 51.78ha of his 55ha holding is designated as a Special Area of Conservation. Pádraic’s management is responsible for the conservation of some of the best examples of calcareous grassland in Ireland. The machair is home to a significant number of breeding lapwings as well as three species of terns, plover, wheatear and skylarks – Pádraic managed his grazing regime to minimise disturbance he also actively monitors the populations of these bird species as well as the negative influences such as predation by hooded crows and overgrazing by rabbits. Pádraic manages the species-rich grassland to maximise species diversity addressing the many negative influences that can reduce species diversity, this includes active scrub control, targeted grazing and minimising nutrient input. More information on his farm and to view a short video go here.
Pádraic Ó Flaithearta was nominated in 2018 and given the role of ambassador in September 2020.
