Fibreshed Ireland

Feirm Olann

We are a nature friendly sheep and beef farm in the west of Ireland. We see ourselves as gatekeepers of the land while striving to leaving it in a better shape for the future generations. We aim to improve the soundscape and landscape of our land. Our farming systems strive to protect and enhance Irish ecosystems and biodiversity. We appreciate how the rich culture in smaller Irish farms is intertwined with wildlife and natural beauty. Our farm is called Feirm Olann which is the Irish for Wool Farm. In my grandfathers time there was a great appreciation for the farming of wool. The fleece of a sheep was a highly sought after commodity. Sadly this is no longer the case in most Irish farms and it is seen as waste product to many. Feirm Olann is aiming to change this narrative and to bring value back to Irish sheep wool fleeces.

Location

Corofin, Tuam, Co.Galway

Visits of up to 20 people by appointment only

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Feirm Olann

Is focusing on:

Biodiversity

Our farming system factors the conservation and restoration of biodiversity in the day to day running of the farm. We have joined the Irish flagship environmental programme ACRES, that aims to solve biodiversity decline in Ireland. Over 50,000 farming families are involved in the scheme. We are aware of how lucky we are to engage with with biodiversity during the working day. We have vastly reduced the use of products on the farm that are harmful to the natural environment. Blanket use of anthelmintics on the sheep has being stoped and only used when really necessary.

Habitat restoration

This year we have made great strides in the restoration of habitats. We planted native Irish hedgerows at different locations on the farms. These provide vital corridors of movement, nesting and hibernation sites. We are cutting some meadows later in the summer which helps ground nesting birds like the pheasant, curlew and harrier nest and raise their chicks. These birds can come back each year and have a safe habitat to nest and raise. We have planted a wildflower meadow with Irish native wildflowers which is buzzing with life. These brightly coloured fields are pollinator friendly. Lady’s Bedstraw, Ragged Robin, Devi’s Bit Scabious, Selfheal, Bird’s Foot trefoil to name but a few of our native Irish wildflowers in our mix. Our bog is bustling with life as it is no longer used to cut and harvest turf. We do not allow hunting on our land which can allow the badgers, foxes, rabbits, hares and other wildlife to live in peace.

Natural ways to increase productivity

We have introduced solar panel electric fences on the land helping to reduce the electric bills. Harvesting of rain water on the farm also reduces the water bills. The use of animal dung as a fertiliser on the fields is great for the grass growth. We have fenced of the riparian area of the river to avoid livestock faecal contamination. The riparian area is protected from grazing. The native plants are regenerated reducing the amount of chemicals and sediment running into the river. The replanting of native trees and hedges offers a shelter belt for the animals. The shelterbelts reduce lamb deaths by 10%, increase weight gain in stock, protect grasses and crops, wool production can be increased by 30%.

Riparian restoration

We have added wildlife friendly fencing by the river running through the land. We have added some native shrubs and grasses along the area. We appreciate the value of vegetation corridors along the river. Maintaining and protecting the riparian area prevents animals polluting the water with dung. The risk of flood damage is reduced to properties and land. All benefit from improved water quality and reduced land erosion. The farms river ecosystems are improved and breeding habitats for at risk species are protected.

Cultural heritage

Ireland has over 120,000 archaeological monuments and many can be found on working farms. We enjoy the fact that there are sites on our farm that connect us to the past. Our farm has a role to protect these links to the past. The ruins of houses and sheds that are 100’s of years old are on our farm land. It is amazing that they have lasted this long. We have a fine collection of old tools and machinery used for farming from days gone by. Old ploughs, spinning wheels, potato planters, tractors, sheep shears, horse saddle, grain crushers to name but a few.

Consumer producer relationship

Local farming wisdom

Farmers supporting farmers is a holistic approach to healthy sustainable farms. Farmers have being passing on their knowledge for generations. Farming in the past did not heavily depend on chemicals and machinery. Farmers were more in tune with natural farming methods. Farmers used togetherness, ritual and spirituality in their farming system. A neighbour would drop tools and help out another farmer if they thought they needed help. You would not be left to your own devices bringing home the hay if there was threat of rain. Farmers were able to survive with so little due to community and farming wisdom. Due to modern farming systems there is a risk of losing farming wisdoms and community. Irelands skilled traditional farming artisans knowledge could be lost if there is not more importance put of their wisdoms. How to handle flax, to thatch, hand cut turf, herbal cures, wool handling to name but a few need to be handed on to the next generation. We have great interest in local farming wisdoms. Any tip or cure is duly noted. We understand the value of the piece of old twine from holding up a gate to holding up the farmers trousers.

Community networks

Joining Fibreshed Ireland has been inspiring on what community can do to improve farming life. Gathering information and sharing with community is key to ones farming success. A community network offers a way to connect learn and socialise with ones peers. Going to agricultural shows has been a great way to gain connections and knowledge. Through out the summer there have been numerous agricultural themed events available for all enthusiastic farmers to attend. Our farm is aiming to give classes to the local community on working with wool and fibre in the near future.

Fibreshed Ireland

Feirm Olann

Location

Contact:

Photos

Feirm Olann

Is focusing on: