Waterford farmer contributes to book on sustainable farming

Irish farmers, including David Dennison from Waterford, have joined forces for a new book combining scientific research with local knowledge that gives farmers and others practical tips on how to create a more sustainable future, while protecting land and nature.

With contributions from more than 50 Irish farmers, the book also shares farmers’ experiences of how working with nature can help reduce costs and improve incomes.

While there is widespread awareness of the environmental damage caused by poor farming practices, this book in contrast attempts to highlight the positive ways farmers can sustain and enhance our natural environment, and benefit from the results.

It is hoped 'The Farming For Nature Handbook' will become the essential guide to caring profitably for our land.

The book, which was launched on November 28th, was inspired by regular requests to the non-profit Farming For Nature project from landowners, farmers, smallholders and growers wanting to learn how best to manage their land, big or small, in a way that enhances habitats, protects profits, and safeguards our natural environment and rural communities.

David Dennison, a wine and cider producer from Ballinaboola House, is one of the contributors, and shares his views on sustainable farming in the book. 

He says: “Pruning is a major and important task each year, to create a new season for a healthy crop of fruit. 

"Usually apple trees are first, starting in February with vines in late February/ March. Monitoring insect life, especially ladybirds, is an indicator for nature’s health. 

"We also include many thick shelter bushes, which are a haven for wildlife.” 

The Farming For Nature Handbook shares tips for a better farming future and shows how to manage land in a way that enhances habitats, increases wildlife and harnesses natural processes, while protecting livelihoods, food security and profiles. 

"It is not just targeted at farmers but is for anyone who wants to grow, garden and gather better."

The book was conceived and developed by Brigid Barry, researched and mainly written by conservation ecologist Dr. Emma Hart on behalf of Farming For Nature and co-edited by Dr. Brendan Dunford of the Burrenbeo Trust. It is beautifully illustrated with water colours and sketches by farmer and artist Clive Bright, as well as digital images by scientific illustrator William Helps.

The book has been described by President of Ireland Michael D Higgins as “a timely and essential contribution to the on-going discourse on how we, as a society, must respond to some of the most pressing challenges of our time”.

It was launched on November 28, and costs €30, available at www.farmingfornature.ie.