In our final episode of Season 2, we’ve invited Imogen Rabone, Ben Raskin and Jack Browne to share their insights across boosting tillage, horticulture production and resilience including how to plan agroforestry layouts on a farm and how to diversify and create a range of habitats on your land to encourage soil and ecosystem biodiversity.  Episode host: Ray Ó Foghlú Episode guests: Imogen Rabone Ben Raskin  Jack Browne Resources: Trees on the land Soil Association Ben...

In this episode we explore the science of assessing the good things that forests do for us with PhD student Kathleen Conroy. Kathleen tells us about developing a tool to measure the benefits of forests for people. We'll talk about those benefits and a future where they may lead to financial support for farmers and landowners whose farms support nature. Episode host: Catherine Cleary Episode guest: Kathleen Conroy Resources: For-es This podcast is produced by the ⁠⁠Irish Agroforestry...

In this episode we explore the links between our health and how we feel around trees with psychologist Dr. Eoin Galavan and GP Dr. Sean Owens who starts by telling us about an amazing elm tree he discovered near his clinic. Episode host: Catherine Cleary Episode guests: Dr. Eoin Galavan  Dr. Sean Owens  Resources: Irish Doctors for the Environment Climate and Health Alliance Book: At Work in the Ruins Talamh Beo Gould Farm USA View through a window may influence recovery from...

In this episode we explore the crucial nature of the health of our soil with Dr. Aga Soil Scientist and farmer Liam O'Connor tells us about his journey from engineering to forestry.  Episode host: Catherine Cleary Episode guests: Dr. Aga Soil Scientist  Liam O'Connor Resources: Kerry Die Ocean FM - Hidden Worlds Conker Nature Magazine - Vol XX Well and Good - What To Avoid in Potting Mix if You Don’t Want Your Houseplants To Die, According to a Soil Scientist Agri Insider -...

In this episode we hear from Paul O’Callaghan and Mike O’Connor about the impact of farming and climate change on our water systems, catchment science, how agroforestry could provide solutions to improve water quality and drainage and how trees can benefit the ecosystem in and around our water bodies. Episode host: Ray Ó Foghlú Episode guests: Paul O’Callaghan Mike O’Connor Resources: Local Authority Waters Programme Duhallow Farming for Blue Dot Catchments - Booklet of...

In this episode we talk to medical herbalist Anne Stobart about the long and fascinating story of plants being used as medicine for people and animals.   Episode host: Catherine Cleary Episode guest: Anne Stobart Resources: Medicinal Forest Garden Trust Contact Anne Stobart Learn about Medicinal Forest Gardening Medicinal Tree Research References Book: Trees and shrubs that heal Book: Medicinal Forest Garden Handbook This podcast is produced by the ⁠⁠Irish Agroforestry Forum⁠⁠...

In this episode we talk to economic botanist Andrew Ormerod about the best plants to grow in a forest garden. He's joined by permaculture expert Donal Chambers and Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine district forestry inspector Eugene Curran who has a special interest in agroforestry and the value of permaculture in creating sustainable food systems.  Episode host: Catherine Cleary Episode guests: Andrew Ormerod Donal Chambers Eugene Curran Resources: Department of...

In this episode, we chat to John Holland, Henry O’Donnell and Nikki Yoxall who discuss upland farming, ancient farming practices, what is most sustainable for farming, what type of animals are most appropriate for our landscape, and how to tap into animals’ natural instincts when it comes to grazing, shelter and location. Episode host: Ray Ó Foghlú Episode guests: John Holland Henry O’Donnell Nikki Yoxall Resources: The Farm Woodland Forum Inishowen Uplands Pasture for...

In this episode we hear from Lindsay Whistance and David Kerr who discuss the day-to-day operations of a dairy farm and how agroforestry can support and strengthen it. We chat about milking systems in the UK, Ireland and beyond, whether there are any “easy wins” in terms of agroforestry for busy farmers and the types of tree fodder that can naturally benefit cattle on the farm. Episode host: Ray Ó Foghlú Episode guests: Lindsay Whistance David Kerr Resources: Organic Research...

In this episode we talk to sheep farmer and ethnobotanist William Milliken who works at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. He researches the relationship between plants and people, how we've used plants to cure ourselves for generations. Much of his research has centred on an Irish collection that is a treasury of ancestral knowledge of traditional cures for animals and people.  Episode host: Catherine Cleary Episode guest: William Milliken Resources: Royal Botanical Gardens - Kew - Dr....

In this episode we hear from Marina Conway, Reamai Mathers and Jim McAdam who tell us about pioneering projects they have been a part of, the benefits of nurturing and planting native woodland, the agricultural and economic opportunities for farmers and practical ways to apply their knowledge to farms. Episode host: Ray Ó Foghlú Episode guests: Marina Conway Jim McAdam Reamai Mathers Resources: Western Forestry Co-op  Aspen Consultants Professor Jim McAdam’s website Edge of the...

In this episode we explore what it's like to take on a forest. We hear from Olive Leavy and Brendan Guinan, two people who found themselves becoming an accidental forester and agroforester. Olive fell in love with the family forest and Brendan has turned a forest into a successful, diverse and productive farm.  Episode host: Catherine Cleary Episode guests: Olive Leavy  Brendan Guinan Resources: Irish Forest Owners Fiorbhia Farm Pro Silva Ireland Farm Forest - Episode 2 - Olive...

In this episode, Catherine and Ray find out how Ireland is towards the top of the European league table for hedgerows and "trees outside the forest" and explore the future for biodiversity and carbon farming. We’ll hear from Gerry Lawson and Jim McAdam who both have a wealth of knowledge across the policy landscape and the progression of agroforestry and what’s coming up next. Episode hosts: Catherine Cleary  Ray Ó Foghlú Episode guests: Gerry Lawson Jim McAdam Resources: Irish...

Season 2 Welcome to Conversation Beneath The Trees, a podcast bringing together scientists, farmers and innovators from all across Ireland to share their ideas and experiences of farming with trees.  In our second season, we’ll be exploring a wide range of topics including how to design your farm using the right types of trees and plants, how knowledge from ancient farming practices could still be applicable today, how trees can support health and wellbeing, how diversifying farms can...

In our ninth episode we'll hear all about Charlie Cole’s small family run farm - Broughgammon - outside Ballycastle, County Antrim. Charlie’s family have turned fifty acres into a thriving multigenerational business. Find out more about Broughgammon Farm: www.broughgammon.com This episode is hosted by Catherine Cleary - www.pocketforests.ie This podcast has been produced by the Irish Agroforestry Forum in association with GrowIn.  It is funded by the Woodland Support Scheme provided by the...

In our eighth episode, Ray Ó Foghlú is in the host's chair and he's joined by Lindsay Whistance and Mick O’Sullivan who tell us all about the relationship between trees, nature and dairy farming. Find out more about some of our featured guests’ work: Lindsay Whistance - www.organicresearchcentre.com This episode is hosted by Ray Ó Foghlú - www.hometree.ie This podcast has been produced by the Irish Agroforestry Forum in association with GrowIn.  It is funded by the Woodland Support Scheme...

In our seventh episode, we get to the bottom of regenerative farming, what it is and how farms can transition to a more regenerative model. Our experts are forester and farmer Rossa Gibbons, farmer Will Frazer and they're joined by Professor Jim McAdam. Find out more about some of our featured guests’ work: Will Frazer - www.growin.land Professor Jim McAdam - www.jim-mcadam.net This episode is hosted by Catherine Cleary - www.pocketforests.ie This podcast has been produced by the Irish...

In our sixth episode we do a “deep dive” into how Skibbereen farmer Alan Kingston is farming with trees and berries - there will be lots of berries, including one you may not have heard of before! You can find Alan Kingston on his farm “Seamus’ Farm” in West Cork. This episode is hosted by Catherine Cleary - www.pocketforests.ie This podcast has been produced by the Irish Agroforestry Forum in association with GrowIn.  It is funded by the Woodland Support Scheme provided by the Department...

In our fifth episode, we travel through time to “farms of the future” to see what innovations are on the horizon. We're joined by Brendan Digney from tech start-up Machine Eye, entrepreneur Helen Keys from GrowIn and Professor Jim McAdam. Find out more about our featured guests’ work: Brendan Digney - www.machine-eye.com Helen Keys - www.growin.land Professor Jim McAdam - www.jim-mcadam.net This episode is hosted by Catherine Cleary - www.pocketforests.ie This podcast has been produced...

In our fourth episode, we invited a panel of guests to tell us all the latest happenings in the world of tree fodder, the research into it and its potential uses. We’re joined by farmers Michael Meharg and Keith Brennan, Dr Katerina Theodoridou from Queen’s University and Professor Jim McAdam. Find out more about our featured guests’ work: Michael Meharg - www.nffn.org.uk/steering-group-northern-ireland/ Keith Brennan - www.hawthornhillfarm.com Dr. Katerina Theodoridou -...

In our third episode, we explore what’s next for agroforestry and the development of new sustainable projects. We speak with founder and co-ordinator of the Trees on the Land project Imogen Rabone and beef farmer Clive Bright. Find out more about our featured guests’ work: Imogen Rabone - www.treesontheland.com Clive Bright - www.rareruminare.com This episode is hosted by Catherine Cleary - www.pocketforests.ie This podcast has been produced by the Irish Agroforestry Forum in...

In our second episode we're going to discuss what scientists are discovering and have already discovered about farming with trees. We're joined by experts in the field Professor Jim McAdam and Dr Ian Short. Find out more about our featured guests’ work: Dr. Ian Short - https://www.teagasc.ie/contact/staff-directory/s/ian-short/ Professor Jim McAdam - www.jim-mcadam.net This episode is hosted by Catherine Cleary - www.pocketforests.ie This podcast has been produced by the Irish...

In our first episode, we explore the history of agroforestry in Ireland. We speak with Professor Jim McAdam about his pioneering work in the 1980s, we hear from forestry inspector Eugene Curran about working with farmers and permaculture expert Donal Chambers tells us about the power of tapping into natural systems. Find out more about our featured guests’ work: Professor Jim McAdam- www.jim-mcadam.net Eugene Curran -...

Welcome to Conversation Beneath The Trees, a podcast bringing together scientists, farmers and innovators from all around Ireland to share their ideas and experiences of farming with trees. Hosted by Catherine Cleary (Pocket Forests) and Ray Ó Foghlú (Hometree). This podcast has been produced by the Irish Agroforestry Forum in association with GrowIn.  It is funded by the Woodland Support Scheme provided by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.