Mayo farms open their gates to the public as part of ‘Inside The Gate’ sustainable farming showcase

Nature-friendly farms across Mayo will open to the public on August 31 for a one-day event 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.

Three Mayo farms are taking part in the event: Glasraí Organic Farm in Claremorris, Gleann Bui Farm in Ballyhaunis, and Colm Gavin Farm in Leenane.

Glasraí Organic Farm is hosting two events, morning and afternoon, with capacity for up to 80 people to tour its seven-acre mixed vegetable farm with a poultry, bee, and orchard. Gleann Bui Farm is hosting an afternoon event for up to 80 people to take part in a ‘cow meet and greet’ and tasting of local dairy produce, while Colm Gavin Farm is hosting a more limited event with space for up to 30 people.

Events are free to attend but capacity at the individual farms is limited. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis, so those wishing to attend must book online on   www.tickettailor.com/events/farmingfornature For more information and to register for the events, visit the Farming for Nature website on www.farmingfornature.ie

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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 a visit on August 31, adding 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. 

Authored by Farming For Nature co-founders Brigid Barry and Dr Brendan Dunford, as well as conservation scientist Dr Emma Hart, the book received praise from President of Ireland Michael D Higgins, who described it as a “timely and essential contribution to the ongoing discourse on how we, as a society, must respond to some of the most pressing challenges of our time”.

Speaking ahead of the event, Aoife Reilly of Glasraí Organic Farm says: “We are delighted to open our farm gates and show you how healthy food is produced profitably and sustainable, while focusing on soil health and environmental health. Expect to learn about the importance of incorporating wildlife friendly practices and soil regenerative practices on a seven-acre organic vegetable farm, while maximising food production. And have a lovely day enjoying talking about food.”

Colm Gavin of Colm Gavin Farm stated: “I am delighted to open my gate and show people how upland farming works with nature in managing these areas. I am also keen to show how community groups are working on managing invasive species in this sensitive area.”

Brigid Barry, co-founder of Farming For Nature, commented: “I’m delighted to today launch Farming For Nature’s Inside The Gate, a one-day event taking place on August 31. Hosted on 21 farms in 12 counties across Ireland, the 26 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.”

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