The Poole Family

Location: Gorey, Co. Wexford
Farm Size: 42 hectares
Enterprise Type: Conventional dairying
Farming Legacy: 13th generation

Farming for Nature in Wexford: The Story of Alan and Cheryl Poole

In the heart of County Wexford, not far from the town of Gorey, Alan and Cheryl Poole are redefining what it means to be an Irish dairy farmer. Along with their three children, they run a conventional but nature-conscious dairy system, milking 72 cows across 103 acres. While their system is intensive and high-performing, over 20% of their farm is dedicated to nature and biodiversity.

“We can do intensive and give space for nature,” says Alan, whose background in ecology has deeply influenced how the family approaches farming. Their herd, made up of high-EBI cows, delivers high milk solids and maintains a low somatic cell count—ensuring both productivity and animal health. But the Pooles are clear: their focus isn't only on production. It's about farming with a conscience.

“We are the curators of this bit of land,” Alan explains. “We get up in the morning and are worried about the climate and the environment. We think we have an opportunity here to make a difference.”

What Makes Their Approach to Dairy Farming Unique? - Eighteen years ago, the Pooles inherited a labour-intensive family farm. In the years since, they have transformed it, investing in efficiency, sustainability, and environmental protection. They’ve carefully managed how and when nutrients are applied, only using the dribble bar when conditions are optimal. With a keen eye on the weather forecast, they’ve reached around 38% nitrogen efficiency—a significant benchmark for any farm.

They’ve reduced chemical nitrogen use by introducing clover and multi-species swards, and are planning further measures to improve water quality, including a rainfall garden, sediment tank, and constructed wetland to protect the River Slaney, which runs through their land.

“The reason we’re acting for water quality is because it’s the right thing to do,” Cheryl adds, “not because of the derogation.”

How Are They Supporting Wildlife on a Working Dairy Farm? From bats to birds, the Poole farm is rich with life. Their love of wildlife and biodiversity is evident at every turn. They’ve installed barn owl and swift boxes, planted a traditional orchard, and even constructed a sand martin wall, all of which have brought species back to the land. Wildlife margins stretch for over a kilometre, hedgerows are maintained on a three-year rotation, and they’ve broken up large fields to create natural corridors for birds and insects.

Alan and Cheryl also founded the Wexford Bat Group and participate in the National Daubenton’s Bat Survey, showing their deep commitment to the conservation of native species. Their enthusiasm has sparked interest among neighbours and fellow farmers, showing that a working dairy farm in Ireland can also be a thriving habitat for nature. They are collaborating with their local secondary school to shape the pilot Climate Change subject on the Leaving Certificate and are eager to encourage visitors to their farm to learn about nature and farming.

How Are They Sharing Their Knowledge and Inspiring Others?
In 2022, the Poole family took part in the Teagasc Signpost Series and the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, hosting a farm walk that welcomed conservationists, farmers, and community groups. Their land is also one of the sites in the National Pollinator Monitoring Scheme, run by the National Biodiversity Centre.

Alan uses his membership in the Wexford Naturalists’ Field Club to share stories from the farm and promote nature-friendly farming practices. Events like their August 2024 walk and talk, “Nurturing Nature while Milking Cows,” demonstrate their passion for outreach and education.

Why Does Their Story Matter?
The Pooles represent a growing movement of Irish farmers who believe that intensive farming and environmental stewardship are not mutually exclusive. Their work proves that family farms in Ireland can thrive while supporting biodiversity, improving water quality, and protecting wildlife.

Nominator: Hannah Denniston, Assistant Agriculture Inspector, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Nomination: Alan and Cheryl Poole are full-time dairy farmers of Rose Bridge Farm based just outside Gorey, Co. Wexford. They are milking approximately 70 cows on 103 acres.
Their passion and dedication to nature is clearly reflected in the wildlife on their beautiful farm. Alan has a background in ecology and together with Cherly they have become increasingly invested in leaving space for nature while maintaining a viable working family farm. They are passionate about demonstrating how the two can work together.
Together with their 3 children they have transformed the family dairy farm and it is now thriving with biodiversity from mature hedges, grass margins to teaming insect and bird life. Alan has recently converted approximately 25% of the grazing area to either multi-species sward or clover with benefits for pollinators as well as the soil.
In 2022, via the Teagasc Signpost series, Alan got involved with the All Ireland Pollinator Plan and worked with the Farmland Pollinator Officer to host a farm walk on what can be done for pollinators on an intensive dairy farm. This was a huge success with stands including local EIPs and conservation groups. The farm is also one of the sites for the Pilot National Pollinator Monitoring Scheme run by the National Biodiversity Centre since 2022.
Alan and Cheryl are involved with local wildlife groups and have worked with their contacts in the area on two specific projects providing nesting sites for swifts and sand martins. The installation of swift boxes and the construction of a sand martin wall has seen the successful return of these species to the farm. Through their own initiative and dedication both projects provide a valuable trial of these actions. The river Bann flows through the farm and Alan and Cheryl take part in the National Daubenton’s Bat Survey with Bat Conservation Ireland.
Alan is an active member of the Wexford Naturalists’ Field Club and using the platform to share their story and encourage the interest of others. In august 2024 he hosted a farm walk and talk ‘Nurturing Nature while Milking Cows’.
It is clear that the whole family value the nature on their farm and appreciate the benefit it brings to their life and work. They are proud of what they have achieved and are keen to share their story both locally and to anyone who may benefit.