Farm Walks 2026 - Andrew Chilton: Building Diversity into a Small Organic Farm

Join this farm walk focusing on practical actions for nature with Farming for Nature Ambassador Andrew Chilton: Building Diversity into a Small Organic Farm. 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. 

Andrew will share how he has developed a diverse organic farming system across his farms in Co. Roscommon. The farm walk will focus on his 6-hectare organic farm near home and will not take place on the alpaca farm (Knockvicar Alpaca Farm). The farm combines livestock, vegetable growing, orchards and agroforestry with a strong focus on creating habitats for wildlife. You’ll see how tree planting, nature corridors and ponds have increased biodiversity on the farm, with more than 30 bird species recorded. Andrew will also discuss organic farming, rotational grazing and the role of diversity in building a resilient farm system. He brings considerable experience from his work in organic farming and Social Farming Ireland, making this a useful walk for anyone interested in practical approaches to farming with nature.

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