Joe standing in one of his fields where he sowed a multi-species sward as part of the Ballymoney Stream EIP
01-Aug-2025 – Ballinacarrig, Gorey, Co. Wexford
Derogation Dairy Farmer Honoured by Farming for Nature, for Actions Taken to Protect Local Beach
Joe Roche, a third-generation dairy farmer, is being celebrated by Farming for Nature for his pioneering efforts in sustainable farming and preserving water quality. Spanning 66 hectares and home to a 115-strong dairy herd, Joe’s farm is more than just a productive enterprise, it’s a model for how modern agriculture can coexist harmoniously with nature.
Over the years, Joe has preserved and enhanced the farm’s rich natural heritage. The land supports diverse habitats including 1 hectare of wet woodland, 2.8 hectares of wild rocky outcrop, and over 400 native trees planted, with plans for more. Healthy hedgerows and carefully managed grasslands complement these natural spaces, offering sanctuary to a variety of wildlife.
In the past five years, Joe has expanded the use of multi-species swards from 3 hectares to over 13 hectares, improving soil health, water retention, and pollinator habitats, while maintaining farm productivity.
Joe’s leadership extended beyond his fields and into the community through his key role in the Ballymoney Stream EIP (European Innovation Partnership) in 2022. This locally driven initiative aimed to protect the Ballymoney Stream, which originates on Joe’s farm and empties at Ballymoney South beach. Through Joe’s commitment, the farm became a showcase for environmental stewardship, demonstrating measures such as wetland restoration, conversion of fields to nature-friendly grasslands, and sensitive management of wet woodland and verge habitats.
As part of the project, Joe had a pond and a series of small dams dug out that catches and slows sediment and nutrients before they reach the stream. That pond now teems with frogspawn each spring, further enriching the local ecosystem. “I like to see nature growing and developing,” Joe reflects. “When you were young, you saw lizards and eels and didn’t realise the importance of them at the time. It would be nice to see them coming back.”
Joe’s future-focused mindset includes continued work on water quality. He has joined Strathroy’s Sustainable Water Scheme, building on his success with the EIP, to further protect the Ballymoney Stream.
“I like to see nature growing and developing,” Joe reflects. “When you were young, you saw lizards and eels and didn’t realise the importance of them at the time. It would be nice to see them coming back.”
Another standout moment of the EIP came during a bat survey, when a nursery roost of 50 common pipistrelles was discovered in an old farmhouse. In total, seven bat species were recorded on the farm, including the rare Whiskered and Natterer’s bats.
Joe’s farm has a long history of providing ecosystem services; its wells provided clean water to the community since the 1870s and now as his children look to experiment with regenerative farming methods, they as a family continue to innovate. Joe remains committed to balancing productive farming with environmental responsibility, ensuring the legacy of clean water in Ballinacarrig will continue long into the future.
Network Officer at Farming for Nature Sarah Coonan said
“We are delighted to welcome Joe into our network of Farming for Nature Ambassadors. Joe’s unassuming nature, quiet reverence for wildlife, and outstanding community leadership demonstrate a great model for how family farms can resume their place at the heart of our rural communities. His hard work demonstrates the integral role the family farm plays in both the responsible management of our natural communal resources and quality food production.”
Joe will be taking part in ‘Ask the Farmer’ an online Q&A – on Tuesday the 19th August at 8pm – register here. Joe will also be hosting a farm walk in October, with a date yet to be confirmed. Follow Farming for Nature on our social media channels for updates.
A short video about Joe’s farm is on our Youtube channel
