Farm Walks 2026 - The Poole Family - High Output, High Nature: A Dairy Balance

Join this farm walk focusing on practical actions for nature with Farming for Nature Ambassadors Alan and Cheryl Poole: High Output, High Nature: A Dairy Balance. The Farming for Nature farm walks are an opportunity for FFN Ambassadors to showcase their contribution to nature and good farming practices on their land.

Join Alan and Cheryl on a working dairy farm where productivity and biodiversity go hand in hand. Hear how they’ve transformed a high-performing system while dedicating over 20% of the farm to nature. You’ll explore wildlife habitats, from owl boxes to pollinator margins, and learn how simple changes can have big ecological impacts. Discover how clover, careful nutrient management and water protection measures improve both efficiency and sustainability. With a strong focus on education and community, this walk offers practical insights for farmers and nature enthusiasts alike. It’s a powerful example of farming with both head and heart.

WHAT ARE THE FARM WALKS:

• 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).
• This will be a 2.5 hour (approx.) visit to the farm and will include a walk around with the farmer, a look at some of the habitats/species, as well as the livestock and/or crops. Feel free to engage with the farmer about how 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. 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 no-shows. It costs €12 to register and all funds are circulated back into the farming community.
• Please wear suitable footwear for uneven and potentially muddy conditions.
• Dogs are not welcome. You will be turned away if you arrive with one. We would ask that you please respect these farmers, their land and livestock when visiting. 
• Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the walk commences.

Thank you to the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for supporting these farm walks.

For more info on FFN events, resources, programmes, go to: www.farmingfornature.ie