Brideswell farmer wins Farming for Nature Ambassador Award for 2025

Brideswell farmer Seán Butler has been named as a new Farming for Nature Ambassador for 2025.

The award celebrates farmers across Ireland who are leading the way in nature-friendly farming.

In total, 18 nominees were put forward by a panel of agri-environmental organisations, government bodies, and the wider Ambassador network for their commitment to biodiversity, community, and producing good food. Each farmer was interviewed and their farm visited by members of the Executive Committee of Farming for Nature before being chosen for the Ambassador Award.

Seán is a regenerative suckler farmer near Athlone. Having been an early adopter of organics in 2001 he soon realised that even in this system, it meant there was some collateral damage for nature.

Since applying methods of regenerative farming four years ago he hasn't looked back.

“If I had discovered regenerative farming sooner, I would have been a different farmer. I would have enjoyed it more, and maybe the kids would have seen it as an option.”

In particular, Seán has changed his grazing methods that sees more carbon being stored in the soil and as such, sees regenerative farming as a pathway for the entire agriculture sector to become a climate solution.

“Wanting to leave the land in a better place for the next generation was a common theme among this year’s nominees,” said Sarah Coonan, spokesperson for Farming for Nature. “It reminds us that preparations for climate change need to start today, to ensure Irish farming continues for generations to come.”

As one of these new ambassadors, Seán joins a growing network of land stewards across Ireland who are building a healthier, more nature-friendly countryside. Along with existing Roscommon ambassadors Liam and Justina Gavin, Tommy Earley and Andrew Chilton, Seán joins the Ambassador Network which now comprises 115 farmers, representing every county and farming system in Ireland.

This network is committed to learning from each other, sharing knowledge, and showing that farming for nature is a source of pride and purpose.

Farming For Nature was set up in 2018 as a non-profit project. Its mission is to support and inspire farmers who farm, or who wish to farm, in a way that will improve the natural health of our countryside.

The Farming for Nature Ambassador Awards are an annual celebration of farmers across Ireland who are leading the way in nature-friendly practices. Nominated by their peers, these farmers demonstrate that protecting nature and running a viable farm business can go hand in hand.

These awards are funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.