News and Updates
A snapshot of what’s happening at the Boyne Rivers Trust
New Farm Advisor
We are delighted to welcome Sarah Austin, the new Farm Advisor and Project Support Officer at the Boyne Rivers Trust. Sarah will lead on our water-friendly farming project the ‘Boyne Water Protection Project’, providing advice and support to farmers on ways to improve water quality in the Boyne catchment. This project is in collaboration with The Rivers Trust Ireland.
In addition, Sarah will support with the strategic planning of the organisation, community engagement, and fundraising efforts, as well as contributing to the implementation of existing projects. Sarah has a background in Agriculture, Natural Science, and Sustainable Development, with experience in environmental education and change management.
Boyne Water Protection Project – Water-friendly Farming
The Boyne Rivers Trust has launched its water-friendly farming project, with their new Farm Advisor, Sarah Austin. The ‘Boyne Water Protection Project’ is in collaboration with The Rivers Trust Ireland. The project aims to reduce the levels of nutrients and sediment entering waterways from agriculture in the Boyne River catchment, through one-to-one, non-regulatory, water-friendly farming advice, knowledge-building activities, improved farm infrastructure and nature-based solutions. The project will include the development of bespoke farm plans for the participating farmers, and support in sourcing funding for the suggested water protection measures.
Farm visits are taking place across the catchment, and several opportunities for water quality improvement have been identified, from fencing of rivers and providing alternative drinking sources, to tree planting, to new gutters on sheds.
Farming for Nature – Inside the Gate
We thoroughly enjoyed the Inside the Gate event by Farming for Nature, which celebrates wildlife-friendly farmers and provides an opportunity for the public to see the incredible work being done on these farms.
On Dunne’s Egg Farm, Norman demonstrated the importance of including a cover crop in maintaining good soil structure and reducing nutrient and sediment loss on the farm. These are important actions that can help improve water quality on farms, and we will be encouraging the use of cover crops in our water-friendly farming project, where suitable. These crops also had an added benefit of being enjoyed by many pollinators!
We were very impressed by the numerous native woodlands and wetlands on Hartwell Organic Farm, and the wonderful work being done for nature and water quality by the Morrison family. Fencing off rivers and planting trees along the riverbanks, as has been done on this farm, are great actions for improving water quality and protecting aquatic and riparian ecosystems. Stories of successful projects like this are valuable in promoting water protection measures on farms in our work.
Inside the Gate provided a space for sharing knowledge, which is hugely important in supporting farming in a nature-friendly and water-friendly way. Thanks to the host farmers and their families for their hospitality and a lovely day out!
