FFN Festival Speakers | 2026
About James
Sheep Farmer • Agroforestry Advocate
James farms sheep on his family farm at Evish, near Strabane, Co. Tyrone. The land is all in grass, very exposed, with little in the way of initial habitat diversity. A few years ago, he learned about agroforestry—a practice allowing him to continue grazing land while planting trees—and joined the Irish Agroforestry Forum.
Agroforestry & Woodland Management
He availed of DAERA’s Agroforestry measure in 2022, planting 4 hectares of wide-spaced trees and 2.5 hectares of mixed native woodlands on the farm. He has successfully used electric fencing and other methods to protect the trees and is highly encouraged by the results. In the longer term, he plans to establish an agri-tourism venture, integrating these trees with wildlife ponds, fishing, and glamping pods.
Knowledge Sharing & Community Engagement
The Irish Agroforestry Forum, alongside the GrowIN project in Northern Ireland, has been vital to his journey through farm visits, networking, and webinars. James is always keen to share his experiences with others and has already hosted group visits to his farm to demonstrate his work.
Trees, Integration & Innovation
Through his work, James brings a strong voice to conversations around agroforestry, demonstrating how integrating trees into exposed livestock systems can enhance land resilience, diversify farm income, and create new habitats.
See James at the Festival
Join James at the Farming for Nature Festival and hear his insights on agroforestry, farm diversification, and integrating trees on sheep farms.