More Trees Now at Síolta Chroí, Carrickmacross on the 29th and 30th of November
On the 29th and 30th of November the Ecosystem Restoration Community, Síolta Chroí invites all to an introductory event of More Trees Now: an initiative to plant more indigenous trees through circular forestry.
Continue readingWHAT: A Four week Regenerative Agriculture Course
WHEN: Dates 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th November. Time 6:00 pm to 8:00pm
WHERE: Síolta Chroí, Aghnacloghan, Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, A81 C998
CONTACT: Conan at 089 499 4571 or https://sioltachroi.ie/
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
In this course we will explore how regenerative farming can be a key solution to the multiple challenges facing our local community – such as diminishing farm incomes/farm viability, water quality issues in our lakes and rivers, and biodiversity loss. These practices can also assist in dealing with other challenges such as climate change, flood risk and the nutrition density in our products.
The course will give participants an overview knowledge of key aspects of regenerative agriculture and provide a network to support in implementing the learning.
Why do hedges matter?
Environmental Benefits: Approximately 3000 km of hedgerows are removed every year in Ireland for a variety of reasons but campaigners are trying to minimise this area. That’s because hedges have enormous ecosystem benefits such as carbon sinks, mitigation of heavy rainfalls, homes for the wildlife who use the hedges as navigational corridors to spread throughout the landscape. Last week I had to stop the car as a red squirrel scurried across the road – he had come from the hedge, not a forest! Hedgerows also contain many of our oldest trees and are great seed source for native trees. The next picture explains some of the benefits.
Continue readingWorkshop at Rowan Wellness and Gardens
This time we’re joined by Mary McMullen of Rowan Wellness & Gardens – a centre for yoga, breathwork, meditation, nature and all things wellness. Mary’s gardens near Maudabawn in Cavan recently played host to Phil Wheal who delivered a very hands on workshop on creating and maintaining a “Food Forest” Garden. “Learning by doing” was the order of the day and all participants got mucky and active. But first things first…..
What is a food forest?
A food forest, also called a forest garden, is a diverse planting of edible plants that attempts to mimic the ecosystems and patterns found in nature. A well designed food forest:
Through time it will create a diverse and rich ecosystem of productive plants that can be easily maintained and enjoyed.
Continue readingWhere Old School Farming meets High Tech
In this article we speak to Pat McKenna, a North Monaghan farmer about his role in the innovative conservation grazing programme on Sliabh Beagh. We also find out how “Virtual Fencing” and other conservation efforts are helping restore Sliabh Beagh’s ecological richness.
Increasing Fires
Back in 2007 a massive fire destroyed over 700 hectares (1750 acres) of the Special Area of Conversation located on the upper slopes of Sliabh Beagh in North Monaghan. The fire wiped out ground nesting birds and vast areas of rare flora and fauna and it can take an upland many years to recover: in the aftermath of a fire some of the first species to reestablish are the invasive and quick growing grasses that can choke and restrict the rarer plant species. Locals were also noticing reductions in rare ground nesting birds as well as increasing amounts of self seeding Sitka Spruce from conifer forestry plantations. In response, a group of stakeholders developed maps detailing vegetation types across the vast area as well as history of burns in the area. It was decided that conservation grazing would be a cost effective method to graze the fire prone vegetation and thus reduce the intensity and spread of any future fires. The mountain area is vast and so electronic collars are fitted to the cattle enabling the farmer to track their movements and also allowing virtual fencing to restrict cattle to where they are needed.
One of our contributors wrote this article which was published in our weekly column in the Northern Standard. Find the full article here.
http://dermymcnally.com/2022/06/10/glaslough-going-for-gold-again/
READ THIS EXAMPLE OF “AN EASIER WAY TO DO THINGS”!
On a visit to Clive Bright’s farm in Sligo in 2016, as part of a group learning about organic farming, I recall him declaring with a grin that he “considers himself a lazy farmer”. Clive clarified this viewpoint by adding: “I’m always looking for an easier way to do things”. Clive’s statement belies a true passion for farming smarter, and his approach is reaping rewards. By paying close attention to every detail, and questioning the necessity of each step in the farming process, Clive has carved out a viable market for his 100% grass-fed beef. So how does he do it? Dermot McNally shares some insights.
The Barker home place near Derryvalley, Co Monaghan is enjoying a wonderful renaissance under the thoughtful stewardship of owner (and well known Toastmaster) Charlie Barker. A few intrepid members of Transition Monaghan took a visit to see and learn how diversification and respect for nature are paying dividends. Dermot McNally explains all.
Transition Monaghan members converged on Síolta Chroí outside Carrickmacross to see how the regenerative farm is progressing. We were blessed with a cool dry day to take the tour and chat to the owners, Karen and Gareth (also Transition Monaghan members).
Transition Monaghan members went on a tour of growers in Cavan – one at CAMCAS, a social enterprise with Community Garden and learning space in Ballyconnell: Barry Kavanagh grower, tutor and landscape gardener welcomed members. The second destination was The Patch near Kilnaleck where visitors helped planting windbreaks and fruits trees. The article below (published in the Northern Standard) looks specicifically at the commercial grower Tirloch O’Brien.
Transition Monaghan 