Farming for Nature are delighted to welcome this months Ambassador – Willie Mulhall – to our growing network.
Farming 66 hectares of grassland and 30 hectares of mixed forestry in Allenwood, Co. Kildare, William Mulhall runs a low-input, organic calf-to-beef system that places biodiversity and soil health at the heart of everything. Since converting to organics in 2015, he has moved toward a more self-reliant, closed-loop model that reduces external inputs while maintaining productivity.
A Closed-Loop System that Works with Nature
Willie describes his farming approach as “home bred and home fed” – a system where all animal feed is produced on-farm. He grows combi crops and multi-species swards, manages pastures through a form of mob grazing, and times calving with grass growth to minimise feed needs. His Speckle Park cattle, one of the first herds in Ireland, are hardy and well-suited to this low-input model. As Treasurer of the Speckle Park Society, he’s also helping to raise the breed’s profile nationally.
Boosting Biodiversity, One Habitat at a Time
Willie’s participation in the Protecting Farmland Pollinators EIP saw him more than double his farm’s pollinator score, leading to a deepened commitment to wildlife across the land. Solitary bee nests, kestrel and owl boxes, and moth monitoring are now regular features of his work. He contributes data to the National Biodiversity Data Centre and collaborates with BirdWatch Ireland.
The hedgerows on the farm, managed on a three-year rotation, support species like guelder rose, spindle, blackthorn, and holly, and act as vital corridors for both wildlife and shelter for livestock. Wild orchids have returned to permanent pastures and field corners.
“We don’t get excited about scruffy bits now that we can see what they can do.”
Forests, Red Squirrels, and a Self-Reliant Way to Farm
Willie manages around 30 hectares of mixed forestry, including areas under continuous cover. He plans to increase the number of Scots pine in his native woodland planting, hoping to support red squirrels, whose occasional appearances still brighten his day. He sees the farm as a living system that’s still finding balance and he’s giving it the time and space to do so.
Connecting Farm, Community, and Climate
Beyond the farm gate, Willie is an active voice for biodiversity and sustainable farming. He’s a member of the Irish Organic Association, a founding member of the local Allenwood community garden, and participates in Bee-Friendly Farmers and knowledge-sharing events. Through social media, farm walks, and public talks, he shares practical biodiversity solutions and the rewarding outcomes of his experiences.
Willie is also known for his charity BBQs hosted on-farm, bringing together friends, family, and neighbours to raise funds for community causes. He’s committed to building a system that’s not just productive, but also balanced, resilient, and deeply rooted in place.
Find out more about Willie’s farm and is work for nature here.
The Farming for Nature Ambassador Awards are supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
