22 May 2025

In pictures: Identifying biodiversity and heritage preservation improvements

A recent visit to the Moore family farm in Croghan, Co. Offaly, is a powerful reminder of how heritage and biodiversity can coexist alongside commercial farming practices on even the busiest of farms, Signpost Tillage Advisor, John Mahon tells us more.

The Signpost Programme aims to support farmers in adopting sustainable practices that benefit both their productivity and the environment.

During a recent visit to the Signpost Demonstration farm of Mattie and Miriam Moore, located in Croghan, Co. Offaly, Gerard McCutcheon, Teagasc Specialised Pig Advisor, and John Mahon, Signpost Tillage Advisor, invited Teagasc Countryside Management Specialist, Catherine Keena to help identify potential improvements in terms of biodiversity and heritage preservation.

The Moores run a busy commercial pig farm while simultaneously growing cereals. This means that their land is used to produce crops that are essential to the operation of their pig farm, creating a closed-loop system. However, even with such a busy farming enterprise, biodiversity can still thrive. The Moores’ farm provided an excellent example of how heritage and biodiversity can coexist alongside commercial farming practices.

Key areas of biodiversity and heritage on the farm

One of the most striking features of the Moore family farm was the range of habitats that already exist. From hedgerows to stream margins, there were many opportunities to further enhance biodiversity and incorporate heritage elements that have long been a part of rural Irish landscapes.

Roadside hedgerows

These are a staple of the Irish countryside and provide shelter and food for a wide variety of species. The advisors noted that while the hedgerows on the Moore farm were well-established and maintained, there was potential for further biodiversity enhancement. A simple but effective solution was to allow one whitethorn tree to grow at intervals of 50 – 100m along the hedge. This would not only improve the hedgerow’s structure but also provide more resources for pollinators and other wildlife.

Rough field banks

The rough field bank along the roadside provided an impressive diversity of species. These patches of uncultivated land are vital in supporting flora and fauna, as they act as refuges for many species of wildflowers and insects. It was noted that these areas could be further enhanced by allowing for natural regeneration and reducing the frequency of disturbance.

Old wall partly hidden

A fascinating feature of the farm was the presence of an old stone wall, which had been partially hidden by vegetation. This wall was not only a piece of heritage but also provided important habitats for a range of species, from mosses to small mammals. Keeping such heritage structures intact while allowing nature to reclaim them creates a symbiotic relationship between the past and present.

Heritage wrought iron gates

The farm also boasted heritage wrought iron gates and pillars, which not only added aesthetic value but also had ecological significance. Structures like these are part of the landscape’s historical identity and can contribute to the overall ecological integrity of a farm, particularly when they’re well-preserved and integrated into the broader landscape.

New shed screening

A new agricultural shed was under construction on the farm, and one of the key recommendations from the biodiversity assessment was to plant native trees around the shed for screening purposes. This not only offers shelter and a visual screen but also provides biodiversity benefits by adding another layer of habitat for birds and insects.

Crop edge hedgerows

Hedgerows are not just a feature of the perimeter of the farm but can also be used to enhance the edges of crop fields. Planting new hedgerows along crop edges offers shelter for pollinators, such as bees, and helps to reduce soil erosion. The Moores were encouraged to plant these hedgerows to increase the diversity of species and improve the resilience of their crops.

Stream buffer margin

The stream that runs through the farm presented an opportunity to enhance biodiversity through the introduction of a stream buffer margin. These margins act as buffers to prevent pollution from entering the water system and provide habitats for water-loving plants and animals. The advice was to leave areas around the stream undisturbed to maintain its ecological health.

Edge of bog – riparian zones

The farm’s proximity to bogland provides an excellent opportunity for riparian buffer zones – areas of vegetation along waterways that help filter out pollutants before they reach water sources. These zones are particularly important in agricultural landscapes, as they protect water quality and provide habitats for various species, especially amphibians and birds.

Maintaining heritage and enhancing sustainability

The integration of heritage elements such as old walls and gates with modern farming practices is not just about preserving the past but also about building a sustainable future. Heritage features, when cared for and maintained, contribute to the farm’s identity and enhance its natural environment. This blend of old and new reflects the ethos of the Signpost Programme – adopting practices that are good for the environment while also making sense economically.

One of the key takeaways from the visit was the importance of integrating biodiversity-enhancing practices into the farming system without compromising productivity. The Moores, with their pig and tillage operation, showed that it’s entirely feasible to engage in commercial farming while still providing space for wildlife and preserving heritage elements.

For more information on the Teagasc Signpost Programme, visit here.

More from Teagasc Daily: What is biodiversity and how can we help?