'Inside the Gate' open farm day

Farming for Nature invites visitors to experience farming and nature up close at their ‘Inside the Gate’ event, taking place on 20 farms across 12 counties on Sunday, August 30. Gerry and Annette Fitzsimons are beef farmers from Kilcogy and are excited to welcome visitors to their farm.

“All my life I’ve had an interest in nature in general and how farmers can have an influence on its survival or its decline. It was the reason I made the decision to farm organically almost 30 years ago,” said Gerry.

Inside the Gate gives visitors a unique opportunity to explore a working farm, meet the farmers and experience first-hand how food can be produced while supporting wildlife, healthy soils, clean water and biodiversity. With guided walks, demonstrations and the chance to learn about a variety of farming systems.

Participants can discover how farming with nature can produce healthy food while supporting biodiversity. Explore grass-fed systems, diverse pastures, native birch woodland and low-input approach, and hear how a shift to organic farming has helped nature flourish across the farm.

“When I see how small changes can make such a difference to plants, animals and insects who make our farm their home, I think it’s so important to share this with people.”

Gerry’s Inside the Gate event takes place at 2pm with a capacity of up to 30 people, but there are more events taking place in neighbouring Leitrim and Roscommon as well as further afield.

“For many people, especially those living in towns and cities, opportunities to visit a working farm are few and far between. This event gives visitors the chance to meet farmers, ask questions and see first-hand how farming and nature can thrive together,” says Brigid Barry, co-founder of Farming for Nature.

“Every farm taking part has its own story, but they all share a commitment to caring for the land while producing food. We hope people leave inspired by what they’ve seen and with a greater appreciation of the role farmers play in protecting nature.”

Inside the Gate is a family-friendly event and welcomes visitors of all ages. Adult tickets cost just €5, children go free and places are limited, so early booking is recommended.

Please read about the different events on offer to get an understanding of what you can expect on the day, as well as timings, ticket booking options and FAQs.