Peatland, biodiversity and hill farming united at Glenwherry Upland Open Day
- Love Ballymena
- Aug 2
- 2 min read
The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) and Teagasc will jointly host a major Upland Open Day at Glenwherry Hill Farm Centre on Wednesday 3 September 2025, bringing together experts and practitioners to explore sustainable upland farming practices.
Set against the backdrop of Glenwherry’s scenic uplands, the event promises to be an important knowledge-sharing opportunity for farmers, environmental professionals, and researchers focused on the integration of livestock production with environmental stewardship.
Mark Scott, Head of Sustainable Land Management at CAFRE, emphasised the central theme of the day:
“The aim of the event is to bring environmental outcomes and livestock production in the uplands together as one. Join us to discover how there is no conflict between the two.”
Attendees will take part in a guided tour of the Hill Farm, lasting approximately 3½ hours, across four themed stops:
1. Hill Sheep and Habitat Management
Led by Dr Eileen McCloskey, Senior Livestock Technologist at CAFRE, and Michael Gottstein, Sheep Specialist at Teagasc, this stop will highlight flock performance and the pivotal role of hill sheep in shaping and sustaining the upland habitat.
“Visitors will hear about the flock performance and how sheep are an integral part of managing the upland habitat at Glenwherry,” said Dr McCloskey.
Joining them will be Merlin Becker, Head-keeper at the Irish Grouse Conservation Trust, who will explain how habitat management supports nesting birds and biodiversity at the site.
2. Peatland Carbon Emissions
This station will focus on emissions linked to peatland degradation using Glenwherry as a case study. Speakers will include Dr Elizabeth Earle, Senior Carbon Technologist at CAFRE; Professor Phil Jordan from Ulster University; and Aaron Fox, Carbon Researcher at Teagasc.
Dr Earle will outline Glenwherry’s current carbon emissions and how planned peatland restoration will help reduce the farm’s environmental impact.
Prof Jordan will discuss research to refine peatland emission factors, while Fox will provide insight into Teagasc’s carbon data work across Ireland.
3. Peatland Restoration in Practice
Led by Nicola Warden, Senior Biodiversity Technologist at CAFRE, this stop will showcase real-world habitat restoration. She will be joined by Simon Gray, Head of Peatland Recovery at Ulster Wildlife, and Patrick Browne, ACRES Adviser at Teagasc.
“We will inform the audience of the importance of having a plan and the multiple benefits habitat restoration can have in addition to the reduction of emissions,” said Nicola Warden.
4. Suckler Cow Enterprise and Biodiversity
The final stop will explore how cattle grazing has improved habitat conditions for bird species at Glenwherry. Martin Kirk, Beef and Sheep Technologist at CAFRE, will discuss how the suckler cow enterprise supports biodiversity and meets commercial targets.
Stephen Magennis, Conservation Officer at the RSPB, will showcase results showing positive impacts on breeding wader habitat due to cattle grazing.
“This Open Day promises to be a key knowledge transfer event for upland farmers, livestock managers, habitat and peatland researchers, advisers and practitioners,” concluded Mark Scott.
How to attend
To register for a designated tour slot at the Glenwherry Hill Farm Centre on Wednesday 3 September 2025, visit:
