Nigel will be taking part in an online Q&A later this month
Farming for Nature is delighted to announce Wicklow tillage farmer, Nigel Gillis, as the latest Farming for Nature Ambassador.
Nigel runs 73 hectares near Grangecon, where he has been steadily reshaping his system over the past eight years. Once reliant on a prescriptive approach, he began to question the mounting use of sprays and chemicals.
“I was noticing more and more pests and diseases, and the chemical cures were eating away at the margin,” Nigel explained. “I became disillusioned and wanted to try something else.”
A chance meeting with a member of BASE Ireland gave him the spark to learn more. One fact in particular hit home: every insecticide spray kills not just its target species but thousands of beneficial insects as well, while also creating pesticide resistance amongst target pests. “When I learned that, I immediately stopped using them,” he said.
Since then, Nigel has been on a journey using the principles of conservation agriculture. Overtime he has dropped his use of pesticides and nitrogen year on year, and now he is in organic conversion. He has achieved this by using home-saved seed dressed with biological mixes, careful soil sampling, and biological stimulants to produce resilient crops of barley, wheat, beans and oats.
The changes have brought nature flooding back. “I’m a hell of a lot happier with what I’m doing – and the birds are back,” Nigel said with a smile. Birds of prey including buzzards, kestrels and even the barn owl now nest and hunt across his land. A recent Birdwatch Ireland survey counted 32 species in one hour.
Nigel leaves 20% of his farm for wildlife. Traditional double-ditch hedgerows are left unmanaged unless needed, while wide margins protect the tributaries of the River Greese. Six and a half hectares are in environmental fallow under ACRES, providing habitat for breeding waders and countless smaller species.
The changes have brought benefits to both pocket and pride. “Costs are down, margins are stronger, and I feel proud of the system I’m building. It’s more resilient for the future, and it feels right.”
Nigel is also keen to share what he has learned. An active member of BASE Ireland and the DANU farming group, he has hosted farm walks, taken part in open days and spoken at the Biofarm conference.
“Nigel shows what’s possible when a farmer is willing to question the old way and try something new,” said Kim McCall, a fellow Farming for Nature Ambassador who nominated him for the role. “His farm is proof that small changes can add up to big benefits for biodiversity, water quality and the health of the soil.”
Farming for Nature is proud to welcome Nigel as an Ambassador and to highlight his leadership in farming with nature at its heart. Nigel will be taking part in an online ‘Ask the Farmer’ Q&A this month to discuss his innovative tillage system. All are welcome to join.
Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, 23rd September 2025
Time: 8pm
Location: Online (Zoom link provided upon registration)
Booking is essential – to reserve your place, register here. Follow Farming for Nature on our social media channels for updates.
What to Expect:
- Open discussions where farmers can ask questions
- Sharing of practical advice based on experience
- Insight into innovative approaches tailored for tillage farms
- A welcoming environment that values every voice in the farming community
A short video about Nigel’s farm is on our Youtube channel
