Castlemine Farm hosts a wide range of interesting and valuable habitats, hedgerows, wildflowers and wildlife. We do our utmost to cause the least interference and intrusion to the natural environment on our farm possible. Our traditional farming practices produce great tasting food, but not at the expense of our environment. With our limestone enriched soils, we have an abundance of flora and fauna, and throughout every season, there is always something amazing and wonderful to be seen.

There are over 1,000 or so flowering plants and fern species recorded in Ireland and over 600 of these have been recorded in Co. Roscommon. Castlemine Farm boasts a number of these including Dandelions and Daisies, Black Thorns, Knapweed, Spear Thistles, Cowslip, the list goes on.

Wildflowers are a food source that sustains insects, birds and animals. It is important that we care for our native flora and fauna as intensive agricultural practices, changes in living patterns and climate change, have all affected wildflowers and the species they support. The traditional farming practices here at Castlemine Farm impact the least on our local natural environment.

Hedgerows are home to a wide number of wild flowers and wild life. Hedgerows are a very important part of the natural environment, but also of agriculture. Hedgerows are natural stock proof boundaries, and prevent livestock from moving from field to field, but also from farm to farm. They provide shelter for our farm animals during the winter, and act as a wind break for our crops during the spring.

As a member of AEOS (Agri-Environment Options Scheme), here at Castlemine Farm we had to plant more hedgerows, and we planted Whitethorn. The aim of AEOS is to conserve and promote biodiversity, to encourage water management, and water quality measures, and to combat climate change. The Whitethorn hedge was planted by placing Whitethorn cuttings into the soil. These cuttings take root and form new plants which in turn grow into a dense barrier or hedgerow. At Castlemine Farm we have a farm that is rich in wildlife and natural habitats, and we take the responsibility to maintain these habitats seriously. We have a duty to preserve these species and plants so they can be enjoyed by everybody and every generation.

We are members of Good Food Ireland and have won Bridgestone awards for 2010 and 2011. Our passion is producing and sourcing the best Ireland has to offer and taking control of the food chain that is embedded in our culture and traditions.