Tipp farms to open their gates to the public

Nature-friendly farms across Tipperary will open to the public on August 31 for a one-day event organised by Farming For Nature, a non-profit initiative that works with farmers to promote sustainable agricultural practices.

The ‘Inside the Gate’ event is designed to boost public understanding of the importance of nature-friendly farming, including practices that support healthy soils, clean water, diverse habitats, and sustainable food production.

Three Tippeary farms are taking part in the event: Cloncannon Biofarm in Moneygall, Roscrea; Brookfield Farm in Coolbawn, Nenagh, and Crawfords Farm in Cloughjordan.

Cloncannon Biofarm is hosting two events, morning and afternoon, with capacity for up to 80 people to tour its organic gardens, discuss management practices, and explore habitats such as species rich grassland, hedgerows, woodland, ponds and river, with some hands-on activities in each.

Brookfield Farm and Crawfords Farm, meanwhile, will host one event from 11am to 2pm, with capacity for up to 30 people at each venue. At Crawfords Farm, families can enjoy meeting baby chickens and pigs, while at Brookfield there will be a family farm walk and treasure hunt.

Events are free to attend but capacity at the individual farms will be limited. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis, so those wishing to attend must book online on www.tickettailor.com/events/farmingfornature For more information and to register for the events, visit the Farming for Nature website on www.farmingfornature.ie.

Inside the Gate is supported by RTÉ Ear to the Ground presenter Ella McSweeney, who is encouraging as many people as possible to sign up for a visit on August 31, adding that the day is a “really valuable opportunity for young and old, from all backgrounds across Ireland, to spend time on some of the most nature-rich farms in the country.”

FARMING FOR NATURE

Farming For Nature was set up in 2018 as a non-profit project established under the Burrenbeo Trust. Last year, the group launched the Farming For Nature Handbook, a practical guide to protecting and restoring nature. The handbook featured contributions from more than 50 Irish farmers, who shared their experiences of how working with nature can help reduce their overheads and boost incomes.

Authored by Farming For Nature co-founders Brigid Barry and Dr Brendan Dunford, as well as conservation scientist Dr Emma Hart, the book received praise from President of Ireland Michael D Higgins, who described it as a “timely and essential contribution to the ongoing discourse on how we, as a society, must respond to some of the most pressing challenges of our time.”

Speaking ahead of the event, Mimi Crawford of Crawfords Farm says:

“Each year we look forward to welcoming people to the farm to meet the animals and experience the simple joys of a day on the farm. We are always excited to share a glimpse of how small-scale, nature-friendly, traditional farming practices produce the most glorious and nutritious food. It is a great day for connecting with others and with the soil beneath our feet.”

Brigid Barry, co-founder of Farming For Nature, says:

“I’m delighted to today launch Farming For Nature’s Inside the Gate, a one-day event taking on August 31. Hosted on 21 farms in 12 counties across Ireland, the 26 different events will give our participating farmers the opportunity to showcase the importance of farms which produce food with nature in mind.

“In the past, many people in Ireland would have grown up with access to a farm through their extended family. With the dwindling number of small-hold farms and farmers, that’s not really the case anymore, so this is an opportunity to give urban and indeed rural people access to not just a working farm, but one that approaches food production in a sustainable and nature-friendly way.”