Inside The Gate: Highbank Farm, Co.Kilkenny

This Inside The Gate Open Farm Day is organised by Farming For Nature and is an opportunity to see visit a farm and see the important work that farmers do for nature in your local community. This is a free event, open to families, and will be held on different farms across the country on Sunday August 31st. But you must register to attend as numbers are limited (first come, first served).

What to expect

Located in county Kilkenny on land steeped in family history, Highbank Farm have been producing organic apples on the family farm since the 70s. Rod and Julie Calder-Potts are prime examples of farmers who have diversified their farm, creating an enterprise that is ecologically and economically viable.  Their organic orchard supplies them with apples for artisan apple juice, apple syrup, apple cider, vinegars and much more, almost all of which are processed on the farm.

Respect for and connection with nature is at the heart of the farm.  They have built two lakes, planted forestry all around the farm and sowed pollinator friendly flowers to encourage solitary bees amongst other insects. There is a wonderfully diverse range of wildlife on the farm, including a badger set, snipe, otters, kingfishers, raptors, buzzards, crows, rooks, jackdaws, ravens, magpies, jays, woodcock, as well as a wide range of insects and fungi.

Some highlights may include:

• Meet the farmer and tour the orchards and farm.
• Get a train across our farm!  We have a actual train that goes through the farm - it is great fun!  
• This will leave at 11am, so don't be disappointed - turn up in time!
• Come look at our amazing habitats and find out what lives in them - Organic orchards, ponds, woods, hedgerows, tillage fields

Other information:

• There will be Apple cider vinegar, Apple Juice and other apple products for sale so bring cash if interested in purchasing.
• We will be offering light refreshments like tea/coffee/scones in lieu of a donation.
• There will be a loo available.
• This event is suitable for people with limited mobility.