Farm Walks 2026 - John McHugh: Organic Dairy, Agroforestry and Community in Practice

This farm walk is taking place as part of the 2026 Farming for Nature Festival.

Join this farm walk focusing on practical actions for nature with Farming for Nature Ambassador John McHugh: Organic Dairy, Agroforestry and Community in Practice. 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.

John will explain his transition from an intensive dairy system to a lower-input organic farm focused on resilience and long-term sustainability. The farm now includes diverse pastures, holistic grazing and agroforestry, all aimed at improving soil health and increasing biodiversity. You’ll see how longer grazing intervals and reduced pressure allow plants to flower and natural diversity to return. The system also includes oats, pigs and tree planting to support a more mixed and self-reliant approach. A key part of the walk is the Clondarrig Community Farm Project, which brings people onto the farm for learning and engagement. John will share both the practical changes he has made and the thinking behind them. This is a clear example of a farm adapting over time to balance production, environment and family priorities.

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