Nature-friendly farms in Galway will open to the public for a one-day event at the end of the month – organised by Farming for Nature, a non-profit initiative that works with farmers to promote sustainable agricultural practices.

The ‘Inside the Gate’ event on August 31 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.

Two Galway farms are taking part in the event – Leaf and Root Farm in Loughrea, and Murray Meadows Farm in Ballinasloe.

Leaf and Root is hosting an event from 11am to 2pm, with capacity for up to 30 people. The 30-acre farm is mostly made up of mixed forestry, with five acres used to produce vegetables and fruits. Visitors can meet the farmer, tour the farm, taste seasonal vegetables, herbs and fruit, and view the restoration of an old mill onsite.

Murray Meadows Farm is also open from 11am to 2pm, with capacity limited to up to 30 people. Visitors can see a flock of pedigree Galway ewes, Connemara ponies, donkeys and geese, as well as the farm’s own butterfly sanctuary.

They can also tour the farm’s restored wetlands and tour the 3km of hedgerows and native trees.

Blátnaid Gallagher of Murray Meadows Farm said they were delighted to open their gates on August 31 and looked forward ‘to welcoming all to explore our nature-rich pastures, thriving hedgerows, and peaceful woodlands’

“This is a chance to experience one of the world’s rarest wools from Ireland’s native Galway sheep and to share the story behind our work. We look forward to meeting you and walking the land together,” she added.

Co-founder of Farming for Nature Brigid Barry said that Inside the Gate would be hosted on 21 farms in twelve counties across Ireland, with 26 different events to give 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,” she said.

“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,” she added.

Events are free to attend but capacity at the individual farms will be 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

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.

Pictured: Blátnaid Gallagher of Murray Meadows Farm, one of the farms opening its gates to the public as part of the nationwide Inside the Gate event on August 31.