Farm Walks 2026 - Tommy Earley: Organic Farming and Various Farmland Habitats on the Shores of Lough Allen

Join this farm walk focusing on practical actions for nature with Farming for Nature Ambassador Tommy Earley: Organic Farming and Various Farmland Habitats on the Shores of Lough Allen. 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. 

Tommy will share how he manages his 100-acre organic farm on the shores of Lough Allen with nature conservation at the centre of the farming system. The farm includes raised bog, native woodland, species-rich grassland, wetlands and the lakeshore, supporting a wide range of plants, birds, insects and other wildlife. You’ll hear how careful grazing and wetland management help protect habitats including the rare Irish Lady’s Tresses orchid and Marsh Fritillary butterfly. Tommy will also discuss his suckler herd, forestry, horticulture and the role of ponies in managing habitats. The farm has become a place for learning, with school visits, Social Farming activities, farm walks and conservation workshops taking place throughout the year. This walk offers a chance to see how a working organic farm can protect and enhance some of the area's most important habitats.

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