Eco-Social Farming model involving actors with additional needs to enhance collaboration for biodiversity conservation on farm landscapes
The Kerry Eco-Social Farming Biodiversity EIP-AGRI Project (KESF) aimed to address issues of biodiversity within the farming landscape and social inclusion through building on pre-existing foundations of Kerry Social Farming (KSF) eco-social farming model. It links up Social Farming Participants from ‘at risk’ groups, such as those who have additional needs such as acquired brain injuries and utilising specific mental health services, with local farmers.
A list of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and actions were drawn up in relation to hedgerows, bird and bat boxes, solitary bee habitats, wildflower management, social engagement and training for habitat management. To assist host farmers and participant abilities, additional actions were also recommended per farm, called “Open Actions” where the host farmer and participant could choose additional actions to undertake on the farm which both interested them and also were relevant to their particular farm and area. Social farming participants were involved in undertaking some of the project actions, training events and monitoring which opened up additional opportunities and raised awareness of nature and biodiversity.
To complete the actions for biodiversity, the eco-social farming model included the following approaches:
- Meitheals
- Bioblitzes
- Use of particular skills of host farmers and participants
- Monitoring
In total, 24 of the overall 26 farms within the project were inspected for their actions. This accounts for an inspection rate of just over 92%.
The Eco-Social Farming model for biodiversity and nature restoration received positive feedback from all participants, helping to raise awareness of the ecosystem services that can be produced on a farm as a result of habitat protection and species diversity can help agricultural development, benefiting farmers and the community. The monitoring also continues conducted by the participating host farmers and the participants with the materials and methodologies that were provided during the project.
Farmers can find out more about this project on the Kerry Social Farming website or by contacting Leo at leo@erinn.eu.
