PJ Dooley

Location: Ferbane, Co. Offaly
Farm Size: 15 hectares
Enterprise Type: Regenerative suckler beef, food forest, eco-community
Farming Legacy: 3rd generation

Farm Overview - Situated on 36 acres, PJ Dooley's farm, also known as Coole Eco Community has been using nature-friendly practices since 1940. The third-generation farmer has been managing the land for 14 years, promoting nature protection and rural regeneration in the process. The farm is home to an eco community, six suckler cows, hens and a no-dig permaculture garden providing a harmonious integration of livestock and land management.

Commitment to Biodiversity - With a strong emphasis on biodiversity, the farm has planted 70% of its woodlands with oak trees under the Native Woodland Scheme. PJ actively manages his woodlands through techniques such as coppicing and maintains two forest gardens, contributing to the rich ecosystem. An entomologist's visit highlighted the impressive variety of insect species present on the farm, which benefits from its proximity to nearby bogland.

Community Engagement and Education - Open to the public for the last five years, the farm hosts an open day every Thursday. This initiative fosters community involvement and provides educational opportunities through various courses and hands-on activities. PJ's involvement in local initiatives, such as Ferbane Tidy Towns and developing a local food forest, exemplifies his dedication to community building and sustainability.

Sustainable Practices - As a certified organic farm with the Organic Trust, no fertilizers are used, and the majority of work is carried out by the community, including mulching around trees and practicing no-dig methods. While PJ seeks to implement mob grazing, he acknowledges the challenges faced and focuses on the use of farmyard manure instead. Contractors are hired for tasks like silage cutting, although the farmer prefers not to cut hedgerows, reflecting his commitment to preserving the land's ecological integrity.

Alternative Models for Agriculture - Recognizing the labour-intensive nature of farming, PJ advocates for shared land models that can help alleviate the burdens on individual farmers. Plans to establish a trust on his farm are underway, demonstrating his forward-thinking approach to sustainable agriculture. He is enthusiastic about exploring more biodynamic practices and incorporating Korean Natural Farming (KNF) techniques. 

Legacy and Vision - Inspired by his grandfather's commitment to self-sufficiency, PJ was motivated to address the declining biodiversity he observed growing up. He is passionate about sharing nature-enhancing practices that prioritize ecological health with others. Through his innovative approaches and community engagement, he aims to inspire others to consider regenerative practices and land sharing as the future of agriculture.

Nominator: Seán O'Farrell, Farming for Nature Ambassador

Nomination: P.J has an ethos of acting locally and thinking globally. He uses a holistic approach to his farming practices that incorporate Community, Nature and a fair reward for all. The 36 acre farm has fine hedgerows and in the past 12 or 15 years it is developing as a community project for social and ecological benefit. There is a 10 year old native woodland and a 5 year old coppice woodland. There is great opportunity for foraging. The team have 2 polytunnels and a forest garden. They use regenerative farming methods like, no dig, mulching and growing a diversity of crops. The aim is to boost soil life and fertility.
They have run courses in permaculture, forest gardening, syntropic agroforestry, vegetable growing, foraging, natural textiles et.
They are providing support to Ferbane Tidy Town in creating a Food Forest.
More information at: www.cooleecommunity.ie