Laois Farms Kick Off National Farming For Nature Festival 2026

Thursday, 18 June 2026 13:44

By Courtney Callaghan

Two flagship farm walks are leading the annual event.

Farmers and interested people are invited to two special Farming for Nature farm walks taking place as part of the National Farming for Nature Festival 2026, offering a unique opportunity to learn directly from two nature-friendly dairy farmers in Co. Laois.

On Monday, 22 June, Farming for Nature Ambassadors Bruce Thompson and John McHugh will open their farms for guided walks showcasing different approaches to building resilient, profitable farming systems that work with nature.

Both events will take place from 12pm–2pm, ahead of the Festival that will take place on Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd. At Camcloon Dairy Farm in Ballyfin, Bruce Thompson will explore the connection between dung beetles, soil health and productive dairying.

Farming over 300 dairy cows, Bruce has become widely recognised for his work on restoring dung beetle populations through grazing management and reduced use of livestock wormers, demonstrating how small changes can deliver significant benefits for biodiversity and farm performance.

Meanwhile, at Clondarrig Farm near Portlaoise, John McHugh will share his journey from intensive dairy farming to a diverse organic dairy and agroforestry system.

Visitors will see how holistic grazing, diverse pastures, tree planting and community engagement have helped create a more resilient farm that supports both nature and people.

Together, the two walks highlight the diversity of approaches within nature-friendly farming and provide practical, farmer-led insights into improving soil health, biodiversity and long-term farm resilience, all the while producing nutritious food.

The Farming for Nature Festival takes place in Co. Laois on 22–23 June and brings together farmers, advisors, researchers and food producers for two days of practical learning, discussion and celebration of farming with nature.

The farm walks form part of the Festival programme and offer attendees the chance to see nature-friendly farming in action before the main Festival events begin. Booking Information

Places are limited and advance booking is essential.