Nature-friendly farms in Galway 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.
Two Galway farms are taking part in the event – Leaf and Root Farm in Loughrea, and Murray Meadows Farm in Ballinasloe.
Leaf and Root is hosting an event from 11am to 2pm, with capacity for up to 30 people. The 30-acre farm is mostly made up mixed forestry, with five acres used to produce vegetables and fruits. Visitors can meet the farmer, tour the farm, taste seasonal vegetables, herbs and fruit, and view the restoration of an old mill onsite.
Murray Meadows Farm is also open from 11am to 2pm, with capacity limited to up to 30 people. Visitors can see a flock of pedigree Galway ewes, Connemara ponies, donkeys and geese, as well as the farm’s own butterfly sanctuary. They can also tour the farm’s restored wetlands and tour the 3km of hedgerows and native trees.
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 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 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.”
