Sheep and Trees : A Day at Curraghmore Farm

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as planting trees—except, perhaps, growing them from seed you collected yourself. That sense of connection to the land makes every planting day special.

We’re always glad of an excuse to explore somewhere new, and the stunning Curraghmore Farm in the Black Valley, Kerry, did not disappoint. It was the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon in April.

Sandra and JJ have done incredible work on their farm, planting a wide range of native trees. The result is a landscape where sheep can roam happily among the trees, while nature gets a much-needed boost.

Integrating trees with livestock brings real, practical benefits. Animal welfare improves as trees provide natural shelter and shade, helping to reduce stress and even lowering lamb mortality. As the trees mature, livestock can browse them without causing harm, gaining valuable minerals like selenium, cobalt, and zinc that support their health.

Through the Agroforestry Scheme, trees are planted with enough spacing to allow grass management where needed—though in reality, the animals take care of much of that themselves. Each tree is protected with wire guards, ensuring they establish safely while still allowing grazing. On top of that, farmers receive an income for incorporating trees into their land—a genuine win-win.

The benefits extend below ground too. Tree planting improves soil structure and drainage, reducing water runoff and helping to mitigate flooding—something increasingly important in the face of climate change. With available supports and funding, the long-term value of planting far outweighs the initial cost.

All in all, it was a fantastic day—especially welcome after such a wet start to the year. Good friends, plenty of laughs, and inspiring landowners doing the right thing for both their livestock and the environment.