Kate runs a 9-acre chemical free farm dedicated to biodiversity and permaculture in Ballymore, Co. Westmeath. She bought the farm with her partner, Tom, only 2 years ago and already has achieve a lot. The farm includes part of a wooded esker ridge, grasslands, mature hedgerows and trees. The old woodland on the esker hosts a variety of species including crab apple, wild rose, primrose and cowslip. Kate has also planted a native woodland for coppicing, there is a 5-acre traditional orchard and a polytunnel for growing a range of fruits and vegetables. Kate’s products include vegetables, fruits, geese, ducks, and hens are sold at a local market, helping to reduce food miles and support the local economy. Kate incorporates wildlife into all parts of the farm. The lawns around her home are managed as wildflower meadows and she collects the wildflower seeds to share with others. Her family also share their home with bats. They host a maternity roost of hundreds of soprano pipistrelles and a smaller roost of common pipistrelles. She has also created a forest garden following permaculture principles and recently started digging a pond to encourage more wildlife into the area. Kate is involved in social care farming and also hosts farm visits to educate the public about sustainable farming. She was recently involved with other socially responsible, environmentally friendly farmers in the Midwest in an exhibition showcasing nature friendly farming. Kate carries her values of environmental and social ethics into all parts of her life and shares those passions with her community.

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