Riverside Management Walk & Talk - Islands

Waters of LIFE is offering riverside management training to its agri-environmental pilot participants in the Islands sub-catchment. Over 150 farmers have been invited to a walk & talk on Thursday December 10^th, 2026.

The discussions and practical demonstrations are suitable for all participants – you do not need river frontage on your farm to participate.

Waters of LIFE Farm Walk and Talk For Riverside Management: Islands

Date: Thursday December 10^th 2026

Time: 9am to 12:45pm (Morning Session) OR 1pm to 4:45pm (Afternoon Session)

Meeting Point: Fr. Flanagan Memorial Centre, Ballymoe, F45 D891

Buses will bring participants to the farm site for the event and return to Ballymoe for light refreshments and networking opportunities.

Event Details:

The event has 2 distinct elements: Shed Talks and River Walks. The shed talks focus on people. The River Walks focus on places and actions. Both complement each other to broaden understanding of processes that work for the farmer and the environment.

1. River Walk: Farm Infrastructure and Water Provision for Water Quality (25 mins)
2. River Walk: Pathway Interception and Habitats for Water Quality (25 mins)
3. Shed Talk: Making Agri-Environmental Schemes Work For You (25 mins)
4. Shed Talk: The Role of Farmers in Catchment Management (25 mins)

Timing for the event includes bus transfers, safety briefing and about 25 minutes of walking. Tea/Coffee and sandwiches will be served in the community hall in Ballymoe to help farmers manage their own commitments.

Learning Outcomes:

• Identify opportunities for farm infrastructure that supports water quality
• Recognise the environmental benefits of supporting actions
• Recognise and consider opportunities for tree planting on the farm
• Understand environmental benefits of nature value in fenced riverside strips
• Understand working processes of habitat and runoff risk assessment
• Identify characteristics of Islands sub-catchment and blue dot water bodies
• Recognise issues and pressures affecting local water quality
• Evaluate use of multiple schemes in supporting farm management
• Discuss challenges and opportunities of multiple programme engagement

Event Conditions:

• Contracted Waters of LIFE attendees receive a €156 payment for active attendance in all elements of the event
• A contracted farmer who is unable to attend may nominate a family member to go in their place. This must be recorded during the registration process
• Pre-registration is required for this event. Anyone not registered in advance will not receive payment. Please contact your catchment scientist if you need help with registration
• The bus transfer is to ensure smooth, safe and timely transition of all 170 participating farmers. It is a 7-minute bus journey. Participant parking at the destination farm is not permitted
• Participants will attend a safety briefing and must comply with all safety and biosecurity measures
• Participants will be divided into groups and attend all four on-site training events
• There is a 7–10-minute walk between the farm site and the river site. Participants should dress for the conditions and uneven ground
• Event operations and timings may change to suit the weather conditions
• Tea, coffee and sandwiches will be available for participants in the Community Centre in Ballymoe
• Marshalls will be on site at the community centre to help with safe parking