Farming For Nature walk with Gerard Walshe - June (Co. Galway)

Farm walk & practical actions for nature with Farming for Nature Ambassador Gerard Walshe - 'Managing cattle for wildfire prevention and protecting diverse habitats'  

The Farming for Nature (FFN) farm walks are an opportunity for FFN Ambassadors to showcase their contribution to nature and good farming practices on their land.

Gerard is a part-time farmer who runs a 22ha farm near Moycullen, Co. Galway. He manages that farm with the help of pedigree Belted Galloway cattle and is a enthusiastic believer and promoter of High Nature Value farming and farms with wildlife primarily in mind. The farm consists of a diverse selection of semi-natural habitats including dry and wet meadows, hill area and naturally regenerated woodland which are all sympathetically conserved by means of a low stocking rate. He's been lucky to record Marsh Fritillary (Annex 2 species in the Habitat Regs) and Small White Orchid which is listed in the Flora (Protection) Order, 2015 on his farm to date.


WHAT ARE THE FARM WALKS:

• This will be a 2.5 hour (approximately) visit to the farm and will include a walk around with the farmer/farm family, 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 he/she/they manage the land in support of nature.
• These walks are for farmers and people with an interest in farming for nature. They are meant to be an interactive knowledge exchange between people with a real interest in farming and nature. They are not suitable for children, or for people/groups looking for an ‘organised walk’ in the countryside.
• These walks are non-profit but a booking fee is necessary to minimise the frustrating level of no-shows. It costs €10 to register and all funds are circulated back into the farming community.
• Please wear suitable footwear for uneven and potentially muddy conditions.
• We would ask that you please respect these farmers, their land and livestock when visiting. Dogs are not welcome. You will be turned away if you arrive with one.
• The exact location of the farm walk will be sent via email to ticket holders on the week of the walk (keep an eye on your email & your spam folder as sometimes the emails end up in spam).
• Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the walk commences.

Thank you to the NPWS and the DAFM for supporting these farm walks.
For more info on FFN events, resources, programmes - go to www.farmingfornature.ie