Biodiversity Week

Lighthouse Farm Experiences
Illuminating Soil Health and Biodiversity

19 – 28 May 2023

Cultivate, in partnership with Talamh Beo, Cloughjordan Community Farm, and Cloncannon Biofarm, is hosting farm walks and conversations on soil, biodiversity and agroecology. These events are supported by the Environmental Network and funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Feeding Ourselves Soil Social – Cloncannon Biofarm,
Sunday 21st May – 15.30 – Knockanroger, Cloncannon, Co. Tipperary, E53 AE27

Feeding Ourselves Soil Social – Cloughjordan Community Farm and Foodhub,
Monday 22nd May – 19.00 – Cloughjordan Ecovillage, Co. Tipperary, E53 VP86

Talamh Beo is building a network of Lighthouse farms in the 46 water catchment area’s of Ireland. From the 1st 16 farms established through the “Soil Biodiversity & Enhancement EIP project” they are growing a network of local farms (hubs), where on the farm education around soil biodiversity and its effect on water quality are core elements. Cloughjordan Community Farm and Cloncannon Biofarm are two of the latest farms to join the Talamh Beo Lighthouse Farm Network.

Starting with the soil is key, as the diversity of our soils is intricately linked to above ground biodiversity. These Lighthouse Farm experiences will focus on celebrating the diversity of soil and exploring the critical role of soil health in promoting biodiversity, food sovereignty, and climate resilience.

As we take a leisurely walk through the fields and hedgerows, we’ll have the opportunity to learn from farmers and local food practitioners about agroecology and biodiversity. Through facilitated conversations and dialogues, we hope to create a social and celebratory atmosphere that will inspire you to take action to protect and enhance biodiversity on your own farm or in your own community.

Cloughjordan Community Farm
Cloughjordan Community Farm (CCF) is a community-led social enterprise located in Cloughjordan Ecovillage in County Tipperary, Ireland. Its main goal is to ensure food security locally while serving as a model for small-scale community-supported agriculture across Ireland. The farm rents 8 acres of land from the Cloughjordan Ecovillage and employs 2 farmers and hosts and trains 6 young people every year through the European ESC programme. The Farm produces over 50 different types of vegetables and fruits annually for 85 + members. The farm is involved in various educational and outreach activities, including community seed saving and running a weekly cafe and the Tipperary Online Farmers Market from its Food Hub in the WeCreate Workspace.

Cloncannon Biofarm
Cloncannon Biofarm, located on the western slopes of the Devils’ Bit Mountains in Tipperary, is a farm committed to the principles of organic food production and enhancing natural habitats. Run by Sean O’ Farrell, the farm keeps bees, organic free-range chickens, organic beef, organic pigs, and grows vegetables and soft fruits. Since opening its doors to the public in 2013, Cloncannon Biofarm has been offering educational food tours to various groups, including schools, farmer groups, and youth development groups. The farm’s ultimate goal is to increase species and habitat diversity while providing nutrient-dense food and re-connecting people to nature.