Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In the heart of County Wexford, not far from the town of Gorey, Alan and Cheryl Poole are redefining what it means to be an Irish dairy farmer. Along with their three children, they run a conventional but nature-conscious dairy system, milking 72 cows across 103 acres. While their system is intensive and high-performing, over 20% of their farm is dedicated to nature and biodiversity.
“We can do intensive and give space for nature,” says Alan, whose background in ecology has deeply influenced how the family approaches farming. Their herd, made up of high-EBI cows, delivers high milk solids and maintains a low somatic cell count—ensuring both productivity and animal health. But the Pooles are clear: their focus isn't only on production. It's about farming with a conscience.
“We are the curators of this bit of land,” Alan explains. “We get up in the morning and are worried about the climate and the environment. We think we have an opportunity here to make a difference.”
What Makes Their Approach to Dairy Farming Unique? - Eighteen years ago, the Pooles inherited a labour-intensive family farm. In the years since, they have transformed it, investing in efficiency, sustainability, and environmental protection. They’ve carefully managed how and when nutrients are applied, only using the dribble bar when conditions are optimal. With a keen eye on the weather forecast, they’ve reached around 38% nitrogen efficiency—a significant benchmark for any farm.
They’ve reduced chemical nitrogen use by introducing clover and multi-species swards, and are planning further measures to improve water quality, including a rainfall garden, sediment tank, and constructed wetland to protect the River Slaney, which runs through their land.
“The reason we’re acting for water quality is because it’s the right thing to do,” Cheryl adds, “not because of the derogation.”
How Are They Supporting Wildlife on a Working Dairy Farm? From bats to birds, the Poole farm is rich with life. Their love of wildlife and biodiversity is evident at every turn. They’ve installed barn owl and swift boxes, planted a traditional orchard, and even constructed a sand martin wall, all of which have brought species back to the land. Wildlife margins stretch for over a kilometre, hedgerows are maintained on a three-year rotation, and they’ve broken up large fields to create natural corridors for birds and insects.
Alan and Cheryl also founded the Wexford Bat Group and participate in the National Daubenton’s Bat Survey, showing their deep commitment to the conservation of native species. Their enthusiasm has sparked interest among neighbours and fellow farmers, showing that a working dairy farm in Ireland can also be a thriving habitat for nature. They are collaborating with their local secondary school to shape the pilot Climate Change subject on the Leaving Certificate and are eager to encourage visitors to their farm to learn about nature and farming.
How Are They Sharing Their Knowledge and Inspiring Others?
In 2022, the Poole family took part in the Teagasc Signpost Series and the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, hosting a farm walk that welcomed conservationists, farmers, and community groups. Their land is also one of the sites in the National Pollinator Monitoring Scheme, run by the National Biodiversity Centre.
Alan uses his membership in the Wexford Naturalists’ Field Club to share stories from the farm and promote nature-friendly farming practices. Events like their August 2024 walk and talk, “Nurturing Nature while Milking Cows,” demonstrate their passion for outreach and education.
Why Does Their Story Matter?
The Pooles represent a growing movement of Irish farmers who believe that intensive farming and environmental stewardship are not mutually exclusive. Their work proves that family farms in Ireland can thrive while supporting biodiversity, improving water quality, and protecting wildlife.
The Farming for Nature Q&A is supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
In the heart of County Wexford, not far from the town of Gorey, Alan and Cheryl Poole are redefining what it means to be an Irish dairy farmer. Along with their three children, they run a conventional but nature-conscious dairy system, milking 72 cows across 103 acres. While their system is intensive and high-performing, over 20% of their farm is dedicated to nature and biodiversity.
“We can do intensive and give space for nature,” says Alan, whose background in ecology has deeply influenced how the family approaches farming. Their herd, made up of high-EBI cows, delivers high milk solids and maintains a low somatic cell count—ensuring both productivity and animal health. But the Pooles are clear: their focus isn't only on production. It's about farming with a conscience.
“We are the curators of this bit of land,” Alan explains. “We get up in the morning and are worried about the climate and the environment. We think we have an opportunity here to make a difference.”
What Makes Their Approach to Dairy Farming Unique? - Eighteen years ago, the Pooles inherited a labour-intensive family farm. In the years since, they have transformed it, investing in efficiency, sustainability, and environmental protection. They’ve carefully managed how and when nutrients are applied, only using the dribble bar when conditions are optimal. With a keen eye on the weather forecast, they’ve reached around 38% nitrogen efficiency—a significant benchmark for any farm.
They’ve reduced chemical nitrogen use by introducing clover and multi-species swards, and are planning further measures to improve water quality, including a rainfall garden, sediment tank, and constructed wetland to protect the River Slaney, which runs through their land.
“The reason we’re acting for water quality is because it’s the right thing to do,” Cheryl adds, “not because of the derogation.”
How Are They Supporting Wildlife on a Working Dairy Farm? From bats to birds, the Poole farm is rich with life. Their love of wildlife and biodiversity is evident at every turn. They’ve installed barn owl and swift boxes, planted a traditional orchard, and even constructed a sand martin wall, all of which have brought species back to the land. Wildlife margins stretch for over a kilometre, hedgerows are maintained on a three-year rotation, and they’ve broken up large fields to create natural corridors for birds and insects.
Alan and Cheryl also founded the Wexford Bat Group and participate in the National Daubenton’s Bat Survey, showing their deep commitment to the conservation of native species. Their enthusiasm has sparked interest among neighbours and fellow farmers, showing that a working dairy farm in Ireland can also be a thriving habitat for nature. They are collaborating with their local secondary school to shape the pilot Climate Change subject on the Leaving Certificate and are eager to encourage visitors to their farm to learn about nature and farming.
How Are They Sharing Their Knowledge and Inspiring Others?
In 2022, the Poole family took part in the Teagasc Signpost Series and the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, hosting a farm walk that welcomed conservationists, farmers, and community groups. Their land is also one of the sites in the National Pollinator Monitoring Scheme, run by the National Biodiversity Centre.
Alan uses his membership in the Wexford Naturalists’ Field Club to share stories from the farm and promote nature-friendly farming practices. Events like their August 2024 walk and talk, “Nurturing Nature while Milking Cows,” demonstrate their passion for outreach and education.
Why Does Their Story Matter?
The Pooles represent a growing movement of Irish farmers who believe that intensive farming and environmental stewardship are not mutually exclusive. Their work proves that family farms in Ireland can thrive while supporting biodiversity, improving water quality, and protecting wildlife.
The Farming for Nature Q&A is supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
