Farm Walks 2026 - Stephen Morrison: Ponds, Woodlands and Wildlife on a Working Family Farm

Join this farm walk focusing on practical actions for nature with Farming for Nature Ambassador Stephen Morrison: Ponds, Woodlands and Wildlife on a Working Family 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. 

Stephen will show how he manages a productive suckler, tillage and forestry farm while making space for biodiversity. Watercourses have been fenced off to allow natural riparian margins to develop and a network of ponds has been created in an area of fen. The farm also includes 18 acres of native woodland, wildbird cover and a recently planted forest garden. You’ll see how these habitats have developed over time and the wildlife they now support. Stephen will share how he has gradually reduced inputs and taken a more balanced approach to managing the farm. The walk will also explore how giving nature more space can be achieved alongside a busy commercial farming system.

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