Farm walk & practical actions for nature with Farming for Nature Ambassador James Gilmartin 'Farming for the head, heart and the pocket - regenerative systems for sustainable farming'. 

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.

James Gilmartin is a 7th generation farmer, who farms alongside his father in North County Leitrim. James takes a wonderfully holistic approach to his farm, recognising and valuing its importance from an environmental, a productivity and a social/cultural point of view. James runs a mixed organic farm. He keeps a suckler herd and a small herd of Dexters, as well as a small flock of sheep. Part of the farm is commonage and a very important HNV habitat for various flora and fauna species, including the endangered Marsh Fritillary butterfly. 

Much of the grassland is species-rich permanent pasture. James recognises the nature value of his farm and manages the land with this in mind - “As a farmer, the natural world is your office!” He doesn’t want to push the land beyond its natural capability, thus low stocking density, low external inputs and extensive management of the land are crucial elements of his farming system. With a keen interest in regenerative agriculture, James has been trialling holistic planned grazing on the farm for the past year. Through the NPWS Farm Plan Scheme, James is just one of three farmers currently trialling NoFence cattle collars to deliver targeted grazing in an upland setting. He has installed PV panels on the shed roof. There is a small pond on the farm and James enjoys planting trees and hedges on the farm every year. He keeps a small number of bees on the farm as well.

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