Rachel McCarthy

Location: Ballinadee, Co. Cork
Farm Size: 140–150 acres (22 acres actively managed)
Enterprise Type: Rescue farm & synthropic agroforestry
Farming Legacy: 4 generations

Farm Overview - Rachel and her siblings inherited the family farm five years ago following the passing of her father, who was deeply passionate about nature and biodiversity. Although most of the 140–150 acre farm is currently leased out, Rachel actively manages 22 acres, where she is pioneering a regenerative and nature-first model focused on sustainability, biodiversity and community engagement.

Farming Philosophy - “I want to give back to nature.”

Rachel’s ethos is rooted in harmony with the environment. The farm is a chemical-free zone, with no use of sprays or synthetic fertilisers. All manure and bedding from her rescue animals are recycled back into the land to build organic matter and soil health.

Current Farm Projects:

Syntropic Agroforestry:
Rachel is establishing a syntropic agroforestry system that integrates native trees, fruiting trees, vegetables, and multi-species planting for ecosystem restoration and food production.

Rescue Animal Sanctuary:
The farm is home to a growing community of rescued animals including sheep, goats, donkeys, pigs, alpacas, and more. Their care is central to the farm's values and their presence contributes to soil enrichment and biodiversity.

Nature Conservation: Over 600 native trees and 1,000 whitethorn hedges have been planted, bat boxes have been installed, and their Wildlife corridors and hedgerows are actively conserved

Agri-tourism & Diversification - the farm is home to the widely known Ballinadee Bus, two converted double-decker bus now serve as a unique hospitality offering

Future Plans:

Develop a few acres into an expanded agroforestry system

Install ponds and enhance soil carbon sequestration

Create nature trails and a Walkway project to connect the farm to the nearby village, inviting the public to engage with nature

Nominator: Dónal Chambers, Co-Ordinator Permaculture & Sustainable Horticulture & Vice Principal Kinsale College

Nomination: Rachel and her 3 siblings inherited the farm in tragic circumstances and have put themselves on the local and national map fast diversifying into various enterprises to make it work. They rent out land, they rescue animals, they do glamping, they have a weekly market, and other festivals most recently raising money for Gaza. Their main priority is to improve biodiversity on the farm planting lots of native trees in the process and allowing some rewilding on the farm to happen also. This year we ran a joint syntropic agriculture course on the farm which is a very ecological and regenerative way to farm the land and their plot will increase each year while linked to Kinsale campus students carrying out planting on site. More pond systems will soon follow. They want to increase tree cover and have it open for people to walk the land enjoying the wildlife that returns gradually.