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Farming for Nature: Online Q&A

Ask the Farmer Online Q&A ‘How To Work an Intensive Dairy Farm and Create a Haven for Biodiversity’

January 20 @ 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Farming for Nature is running an online Q&A session with Wexford farmers Alan and Cheryl Poole, who will share how an intensive dairy farm can also be a haven for biodiversity. This interactive event is part of the Ask the Farmer series, giving you the chance to hear practical insights and ask questions directly.

“In the heart of County Wexford, not far from the town of Gorey, Alan and Cheryl Poole are redefining what it means to be an Irish dairy farmer. Along with their three children, they run a conventional but nature-conscious dairy system, milking 72 cows across 103 acres. While their system is intensive and high-performing, over 20% of their farm is dedicated to nature and biodiversity. “We can do intensive and give space for nature,” says Alan, whose background in ecology has deeply influenced how the family approaches farming. Their herd, made up of high-EBI cows, delivers high milk solids and maintains a low somatic cell count—ensuring both productivity and animal health. But the Pooles are clear: their focus isn’t only on production. It’s about farming with a conscience.”

Farming for Nature, 2026

Registration is required to attend the online event. The Q&A is supported by the NPWS and DAFM.

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EPA Catchments Unit

Administrator

The EPA Catchments Unit is based in Dublin, and the team is involved with catchment science, chemistry, ecology, hydromorphology, modelling, Geographic Information Systems and planning. We work with the wider EPA, all of our local authorities, the Local Authority Waters and Communities Office, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, and other public bodies and Departments to ensure we have the best available data and information about our catchments.

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