Mayo farming family celebrated for biodiversity work

Alan and Alanna Daly, a father-and-daughter team, are being recognised as ambassadors for Farming for Nature, thanks to their proactive approach to farming in harmony with the natural environment.

Situated on over 200 hectares alongside the stunning Lough Mask, the Daly farm supports 340 sheep and 60 Angus and Galloway cattle, with half of the land lying within native woodland untouched for more than 200 years. Their woodland is home to a thriving ecosystem, including red squirrels, pine martens, stoats, and a variety of lichens, reflecting the family's guiding principle: “We don’t interfere with nature here, we’re not enemies.”

In addition to preserving the ancient woodlands, the Daly's have engaged with the NPWS Farm Plan Scheme. Alan and Alanna have undertaken a range of habitat enhancement works, including renovating a derelict building to support the return of Lesser Horseshoe bats, planting hedgerows, establishing wildflower meadows, and managing wetlands to support native vegetation and wildfowl. Their meadows, rich in grasses such as crested dog’s-tail and sweet vernal grass, and herbs including ox-eye daisy, ladies’ bedstraw, and yarrow, contribute to the area’s biodiversity. As part of their commitment to biodiversity, they spread cut hay to encourage wildflower reseeding and are planning to plant four hectares of agroforestry this year, creating wildlife corridors across their land.

Barry O’Donoghue of the NPWS, who nominated the Daly's for recognition, commented on their efforts: “The interest and enthusiasm that Alan and Alanna have for nature is a joy to behold. It is heartening to see farmers leading the way in managing the environment, while learning from both old ways and new."

Alan and Alanna opened their gates for a Farming for Nature farm walk earlier in the year as Alan says "We are delighted to be part of Farming for Nature. There’s good advice and support available within this community. As ambassadors we are proud to show what we do for nature and the Irish wildlife."

As Alan and Alanna look to the future, their vision is simple: by caring for the land as the three generations before them did, they believe they will leave a proud legacy for those to come. They hope their example will inspire others, reminding fellow farmers that every farm, big or small has space for nature whether through wildflower margins, planting trees and hedges, or even putting up a bat or owl box. As Alan reflects, "It’s always good to take a few minutes and just enjoy the natural world around us."

To learn more about Alan and Alanna's farm, go to the Farming for Nature YouTube channel here.

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