Longford farmer wants more incentives for those who protect nature

A Longford farmer who's been announced as a Farming for Nature Ambassador says he hopes there'll be better incentives for people who make efforts to protect nature.

Noel Kiernan farms 250 acres of mixed land and habitat near Lough Ree in the south of the county.

He practices organic farming and puts no chemicals on the land.

He also stocks some of the land with rare breeds which he uses to graze the pasture.

This is to encourage the survival of flowers and grasses which are being threatened by intensive methods.

Noel says the change to farming environment schemes which pay for positive results is encouraging.#

He adds though that more needs to be done to encourage landowners to play their part.