Rossa Gibbons

Location: Skibbereen, Co. Cork
Farm Size: 13 hectares
Enterprise Type: Forestry, Agroforestry with sheep
Farming Legacy: 1st generation

A tree-surgeon by trade, Rossa Gibbons has taken to farming but from a woodland perspective. He emphasizes the mutual benefits from having trees and livestock - "You don't have to choose either grass or trees." Along with their many other benefits, trees in a pasture also support a healthy soil structure and a balance of soil microbes.

Rossa's farm comprises of 13 hectares, with three distinct forestry plantations. He first planted 22 years ago - a mixed forest of oak, larch, beech, and alder. Then, 10 years ago, he planted a mixed broadleaf woodland. Most recently, he has introduced an Agroforestry plot. It has ten species including sweet chestnut, birch, cherry and lime. "When you work with saws, you see the value of timber; if there were more farmers trained with saws, counterintuitively, there'd be more trees."

Agroforestry - His system of agroforestry means the trees are planted in rows eight metres apart to allow for tractor access for silage cutting and slurry spreading. But, this is still close enough to maintain developing beneficial fungal networks underground.

Livestock Integration - Unlike regular forestry, agroforestry allows for the integration of livestock. Rossa keeps a flock of Shropshire sheep, known for not ring barking trees. He is currently carrying 28 sheep, including 14 ewes. He slaughters the lambs and sells them directly to local customers. 

Innovative Practices- Rossa is transitioning to the use of Korean Natural Farming (KNF) practices. This utilizes microorganisms acquired through fermentation to invigorate his soil health. Rossa manages his woodlands according to continuous cover forestry, regularly thinning trees to create light and promote regeneration and habitat for wildlife. His sheep produce high-quality wool which he is saving for use as insulation in his self-build.

Rossa is a member of a local collective of farmers aimed at promoting sustainable practices that enable production without the need for entitlements or schemes. His future aspirations include planting more fruit and nut trees to expand the biodiversity and productivity of his land.

Rossa Gibbons embodies the spirit of sustainable farming by merging woodland management with agricultural practices, demonstrating a harmonious approach to land stewardship. His farm showcases the potential for innovative integrated farming systems.

Nominator: Maureen Kilgore, Manager Irish Agroforestry Forum
Nomination: We would like to nominate Rossa Gibbons for the Farming for Nature Award in recognition of his agroforestry and the multifacted benefits it provides. Rossa runs a 13-hectare organic farm in Munig, Skibbereen, Co. Cork, where he uses agroforestry practices to create a thriving, biodiverse landscape while contributing to local food systems and sustainable land use.

Rossa’s farm showcases innovative agroforestry approaches, including silvopasture with a pedigree Shropshire sheep flock. His dedication to quality and sustainability is evident in his commitment to producing lamb for local supply, with his flock registered with the UK Shropshire Sheep Society.

The farm features an impressive array of forestry and agroforestry initiatives, all implemented with a keen eye on biodiversity and environmental stewardship:
- A 22-year-old 3.5-hectare forestry scheme with Oak, Larch, Alder, and Birch, demonstrating long-term forest management.
- An 8-year-old 3.5-hectare plantation with ten broadleaf species, including walnut and Scots Pine
- A 2.4-hectare agroforestry plot, established 5 years ago and funded under GPC 11, that integrates Shropshire sheep with a silvopasture system of broadleaf species and fruit and nut trees. The innovative design, featuring 8-meter spacing for tree rows, allows for both hay and silage production.

Rossa’s hands-on approach, ecological vision, and commitment to sharing his knowledge with the wider community—such as through farm walks and his engagement with the Irish Agroforestry Forum—make him a true champion for nature-friendly farming. His work stands as an inspiring model for sustainable agriculture, blending productivity with biodiversity and long-term environmental health. Rossa has recently qualified as a forester and is now helping other people plan and design their forestry and agroforestry.

You can watch a video about Rossa here https://youtu.be/P6px2s1pPrY?feature=shared