Free tour of Laois farm using sustainable farming practices

A LAOIS farmer is to open his gates to the public to showcase nature-friendly farming.

On Sunday 31 August, Bruce Thompson, who runs the eighth generation Camcloon Dairy Farm in Ballyfin with 300-plus dairy cattle, will open his farm free of charge to the public from 2pm to 5pm.

The event is organised by Farming For Nature, a non-profit initiative that works with farmers to promote sustainable agricultural practices.

The ‘Inside the Gate’ event is designed to boost public understanding of the importance of nature-friendly farming, including practices that support healthy soils, clean water, diverse habitats, and sustainable food production.

Up to 250 will be accommodated on the tour. Those attending are encouraged to bring their wellies for the tour which will include a dung beetle safari and an opportunity to meet the dairy cows and learn about their milking.

Tickets for the tour are available on a first come, first served basis. Those wishing to attend must book online at www.tickettailor.com/events/farmingfornature 

For more information and to register for the events, visit the Farming for Nature website on www.farmingfornature.ie ‘Inside the Gate’ is supported by RTÉ Ear to the Ground presenter Ella McSweeney, who is encouraging as many people as possible to sign up for the visit.

She said that the day is a “really valuable opportunity for young and old, from all backgrounds across Ireland, to spend time on some of the most nature-rich farms in the country”.

Farming For Nature was set up in 2018 as a non-profit project established under the Burrenbeo Trust. Last year, the group launched the Farming For Nature Handbook, a practical guide to protecting and restoring nature. The handbook featured contributions from more than 50 Irish farmers, who shared their experiences of how working with nature can help reduce their overheads and boost incomes.

Co-founder of Farming For Nature Brigid Barry said: “I’m delighted to today launch Farming For Nature’s Inside The Gate, a one-day event taking on August 31. Hosted on 21 farms in 12 counties across Ireland, the different events will give our participating farmers the opportunity to showcase the importance of farms which produce food with nature in mind.

“In the past many people in Ireland would have grown up with access to a farm through their extended family. With the dwindling number of small-hold farms and farmers, that’s not really the case anymore, so this is an opportunity to give urban and indeed rural people access to not just a working farm, but one that approaches food production in a sustainable and nature-friendly way.”