Fields Good to talk about nature friendly farming
The staff at RSPB NI are passionate about supporting farmers and landowners to restore habitats, and farm in a nature-friendly way.
As part of this, on the 6 September, some of the team will be at the 2025 Fields Good Festival. This vibrant celebration of farming, food, and the future is in the beautiful setting of Glenarm. Launched just last year in Northern Ireland, the festival has already become a beacon for those passionate about working the land while protecting nature. Across three buzzing speaker stages and tents dedicated to agroforestry, horticulture, and soil health, visitors can dive into hands-on demonstrations, join guided field walks, meet inspiring exhibitors, and enjoy mouth-watering local food and live music.
One highlight I’m especially excited about is hearing from the RSPB’s Richard Winspear. Over 25 years ago, Richard was part of a groundbreaking project to buy an arable farm in Cambridgeshire called ‘Hope Farm’ with a bold vision: prove that a farm could be both productive and profitable while bringing nature back to life. Richard will be speaking on the panel; “When Land Comes Alive; Ponds, Wings and Buzzy Things” and I can’t wait to learn more about how restored ecosystems can ensure nature and wildlife have a home, while also benefiting profitable and sustainable farming techniques.
The RSPB NI Advisory team will also be there on the day, discussing agri-environment schemes and sharing practical advice on how to farm with nature in mind. It’s a fantastic opportunity for farmers and landowners to connect, exchange ideas, and explore ways to make space for wildlife while keeping farms thriving.
Join us at the Fields Good Festival on Saturday 6 September for talks, music and the possibility of leaving with fresh ideas (and maybe muddy boots). Tickets are on sale now at fieldsgoodfest.co.uk – grab yours and celebrate farming, food and nature together.
From Lough Erne to the Antrim Hills, the RSPB NI Advisory team have been working with farmers and landowners for over thirty years, helping to advise and deliver on ambitious species and habitat restoration projects. This commitment is also reflected in their sponsorship of the Farming Life Awards ‘Nature Friendly Farmer’ category this year – celebrating farmers who put nature at the heart of their work, integrating wildlife, habitats, and biodiversity into the everyday running of their farmers. If you know someone who you think encompasses the qualities of a nature friendly farmer, then make sure to nominate them at www.farminglifeawards.co.uk