Social Farming Ireland has announced the launch of its second Social Farming Awareness Week, to promote social farming as a viable option for both those in need of this support and for farmers.
The initiative, which follows last year’s inaugural success, will take place from October 2nd, 2023, to October 6th, 2023, with one of its farms hosting an open morning each day of the week.
A variety of different farm settings will open their gates over the course of five days across counties Cork, Kilkenny, Mayo, Wicklow, and Sligo, from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm.
A spokesperson for Social Farming Ireland said:
“All our farms are in beautiful parts of rural Ireland, and we would be delighted if you could join us on one of these days to see a sample of what they offer and hear some stories of people’s experiences on these farms.”
“All participants, families, farmers, service providers, or anyone interested in learning more about social farming are welcome.”
Farm open days
The week will kick off with the first evening near Carrigaline, Co. Cork. New to social farming, Louise O’ Mahony’s farm is diverse in nature with horses, cattle, sheep, goats, hens and ducks and they also have a peacock and peahen.
On Tuesday, the Galway’s family farm in Kilkenny will open their gates. Richard and Áine have an organic farm which is home to a suckler cow herd and sheep flock.
Dotted across the farm is a number of rare breeds, and some ponies and alpacas. With their neighbour, they keep pigs, ducks, hens, turkeys, dogs, and cats.
On Wednesday, it is over to the west to Mayo where Alan and Vivian Woods host participants on a dairy farm near Crossmolina, along the shores of Lough Conn.
The farm is also home to a small number of multi-prize-winning pedigree Charolais cattle, which are farmed under the Crossmolina prefix.
On Thursday, a farm near Tinahely in Co. Wicklow, which comprises a sheep flock managed by Violet and her son, Stephen, opens.
They host participants who can engage in growing fruit and vegetables in the polytunnel as well as tending to animals.
Friday will see the fifth and final walk take place in in Sligo on the Quarryfield farm. On the farm, Gerald, Kelly, and Michael have horses, sheep, hens, alpacas, and a pet pig.
Note
Booking is essential. Further details can be shared by Social Farming Ireland upon registration.
For general enquiries, please phone 071-9641772 or email – [email protected]
See more farming news on www.thatsfarming.com
