Farm walk to be held in Ballymore this weekend

A farm walk will take place at a chemical-free farm dedicated to biodiversity in Ballymore this Saturday.

The farm run by Farming for Nature Ambassador Kate Egan is a great example of what can be achieved in a short amount of time in terms of habitat building and yield production.

Kate’s products include vegetables, fruits, geese, ducks, and hens which are sold at a local market, helping to reduce food miles and support the local economy. She is building up a farm that is climate resilient and incorporates wildlife into all parts of the farm. Kate says: “Our first priority is offering a sanctuary, providing an oasis for wildlife.”

These farm walks are an opportunity for farmers to showcase their contribution to nature and good farming practices on their land. They are a great opportunity to meet like-minded farmers and to gain an insight into the creative and inspiring ways that farmers are working to incorporate, protect and enhance nature on their land.

The upcoming event in Ballymore will include a walk around the farm, a look at some of the habitats and species present, as well as the livestock and or crops, and a discussion with the farmer about how she manages the land in support of nature.

There is a great diversity of ambassador farmers set to host farm walks this year covering a range of farming systems from tillage to dairy, forestry to market gardening, mixed stock to high nature value farming, from conservation agriculture to productive smallholdings.

Kate has also connected with social care farming and other socially responsible, ethical, environmentally kind farmers and was recently part of an exhibition showcasing nature kind farmers in the midwest region. Schoolchildren often visit the farm to learn about how she farms sustainably.

The farm is on a break from commercial food production, however, workshops, camping and community events are available. The walks cost €10 and tickets can be purchased from tickettailor.com. This is a not-for-profit initiative and all monies received will be circulated back into the farming community.