Farm walk & practical actions for nature with Farming for Nature Ambassador Andrew Chilton - 'Biodiversity farm walk: focusing on a diversity of species on a mixed farming enterprise'.
The Farming for Nature (FFN) farm walks are an opportunity for FFN Ambassadors to showcase their contribution to nature and good farming practices on their land.
Andrew Chilton manages 2 farms in Co Roscommon alongside his family. Both farms are now full symbol Organic and in further conversion to Biodynamic. The first farm is 6 ha of marginal land and is certified organic. An advocate for diversity on farms, there is a mix of animals kept on this farm including a small herd of Dexters and at different times there are pigs, goats, sheep and chickens. They grow vegetables for the home and there is an apple and plum orchard on the farm as well. Andrew has trialled different methods of agroforestry on this land including planting field corners and nature corridors, and block planting. He plants between 50-100 trees on the land every year. Andrew has dug 2 ponds on the land which has attracted many insects and birds to the land - “There is tremendous birdlife on the land, we have counted over 30 different bird species on the farm.”
The second farm borders Lough Key and is surrounded by woodland. A herd of 52 alpacas are kept on this farm and Andrew produces alpaca fleece which is processed in the UK and the finished pillow and duvet products are sold directly from the farm. They also run farm tours and alpaca trekking. All of the animals are on a rotational grazing system and overwinter outdoors. Andrew has been increasing the diversity of grass species in the pasture in recent years. There is also an apiary on the farm and honey is sold commercially.
Andrew works with Social Farming Ireland and teaches the NOTS Organic Production Principles Course. He is also a farm advisor/planner.
This Farm Walk is part of a series that has been funded by the Shared Island Civic Society fund. The project is being delivered in partnership with the Nature Friendly Farming Network and Farming For Nature. We encourage farmers from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to attend.