Bridget’s 125 acre farm is located in Dromard, County Sligo and includes 25 hectares of commonage. The farm is situated on a steep hillside, which grants it the most wonderful views across the county, including a beautiful profile of Ben Bulben in the distance.

Whilst Bridget’s farming activities were primarily sheep farming for the past two decades, she is transitioning from conventional sheep-farming to bees, seed & agroforestry. This was, in part, a transition brought on by health issues. Bridget also keeps ponies in order to diversify the grazing regimes, which ensures her land is well maintained and the plants species are in balance.

Over the past decade, Bridget has introduced the native black bee to her farm, and the number of hives is growing year by year. Not only are the bees excellent for pollination of seed, they also provide another diversified source of income for the farm. Autumn sees Bridget harvesting fruits and vegetables from her orchard and polytunnel and preparing for next season’s growing – and not only are potatoes, fruits and vegetables planted, but 150 to 200 trees are planted every year also! 

With over 30 years experience working on the ground with farmers around livelihoods, land use & agrarian reform, Bridgi brings a ground-based approach to areas of research and policy. Agrarian reform includes transitioning from the current model which is focused on industry and competitive growth, to an agro-ecological model that delivers for land, people & community. She is also Project Managing this Soil EIP for Talamh Beo.

To hear more about a year on Bridget’s farm, you can watch her interview in her Farm Introduction blog.

You can also connect with Bridget on her social platforms: