Nature-friendly farmers around the country celebrated for their work for nature
Kinvara, Co. Galway – Farming for Nature is proud to announce its twelve new Farming for Nature Ambassadors for 2025. These exemplary farmers are showing what’s possible when we work with nature instead of against it. They are leading the way in recognising the role of nature in supporting a healthy and thriving farm today and for the future.
From a large Limerick dairy farm with not one, but two farm ponds, to hedge-laying suckler farmers, to a Donegal sheep farmer helping revive the once-common Corncrake, these farmers demonstrate that caring for nature is happening on farms across the country, and that it goes hand in hand with food production.
“Wanting to leave the land in a better place for the next generation was a common theme among this year’s nominees,” said Sarah Coonan, spokesperson for Farming for Nature. “It reminds us that preparations for climate change need to start today, to ensure Irish farming continues for generations to come.”
In total, 18 nominees were put forward by a panel of agri-environmental organisations, government bodies, and the wider Ambassador network for their commitment to biodiversity, community, and producing good food. Each farmer was interviewed and their farm visited by members of the Executive Committee of Farming for Nature before being chosen for the Ambassador Award.
These new ambassadors join a growing network of land stewards across Ireland who are building a healthier, more nature-friendly countryside. The Ambassador Network now comprises 115 farmers, representing every county and farming system in Ireland. This network is committed to learning from each other, sharing knowledge, and showing that farming for nature is a source of pride and purpose.
The 12 new ambassadors are:
- Seánie O’Baoill – Donegal Cultivating corncrake habitat while weaving strong community ties in the Gaeltacht
- Seán Butler – Roscommon A regenerative grassland farmer who shifted the whole farm system and transformed his land
- Rachel and James Creighton – Kildare Dairy farming that balances productivity with restoring habitats and protecting water
- Gareth Culligan – Louth Tillage innovator making full use of on-farm nutrients by working with soil biology and plant diversity
- Martin Crowe – Limerick Creating and managing wetlands within an intensive dairy operation to boost nature value
- Brian Dilleen – Galway Regenerative poultry and repositioning the farm at the centre of the community
- Margaret Edgill – Offaly Blending organic beef production with agritourism & local food innovation
- Tony Grogan – Tipperary Maximising marginal land for nature and for farming
- John Liston – Limerick Boosting water systems and soil biology on a beef farm
- Willie Mulhall – Kildare Restoring pollinators and bringing the buzz back to farming
- Alan & Cheryl Poole – Wexford Proving that intensive dairy can go hand-in-hand with rich habitats, clean water, and climate action
- Janet Power & Jenny Watkins – Wexford Making a living and space for nature on a 1 hectare market garden
Farming For Nature was set up in 2018 as a non-profit project. Its mission is to support and inspire farmers who farm, or who wish to farm, in a way that will improve the natural health of our countryside.
The Farming for Nature Ambassador Awards are an annual celebration of farmers across Ireland who are leading the way in nature-friendly practices. Nominated by their peers, these farmers demonstrate that protecting nature and running a viable farm business can go hand in hand.
These awards are funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
