Sustainability Policy.

 

Policy Statement

Mountallen Eco Tours was developed to preserve and showcase the biodiversity present on our farm, the heart of which is our raised bog. Throughout the world raised bogs are under pressure as they are harvested for agriculture and fuel. Our bog has undergone extensive restoration and most definitely requires protection. In addition we have quite rare wild orchids on the farm which in turn require specific habitat management and careful protection. We believe it is our core mission to protect the habitats on our land, and therefore by extension the wider global environment in whatever way we can. 

Aims

  • To sustain our carbon neutrality through maintaining a living bog.

  • To engage with and educate our customers and community on the impact of carbon on the environment and the value of carbon sinks. 

  • To foster a respect for the natural, local landscape and associated habitats through the use of our low-impact, small tours. 

  • Increase our on-site vegetable plots with the goal of reducing our dependency on non-local produce, and also to facilitate more of the community in our meitheal .

Practices

Habitats / Tours

  • We keep animal stocks at a level that best maintains the various habitats throughout the farm. 

  • We avoid stocking sheep and only stocking horses or donkeys as required for habitat maintenance. 

  • We have restored and maintain the raised bog to ensure it continues to grow and absorb carbon.

  • We have planted multiple acres of native broadleaf trees on our farm which will contribute to carbon absorption and provide a sustainable source of wood. 

  • We assist research into bogland restoration.

  • Share knowledge with the local community on how they can apply for funding to develop or restore habitats on their own land. 

  • We are a certified organic farm and members of the Leitrim Organic Farmers association.

  • We adhere to the following codes of practice: 

    • Leave no Trace 

    • Minimal Impact Bird Watching

    • Minimal Impact Bogs, Peatlands and Wetlands

Energy

  • Timber from our woodlands is used for open and closed fires. These woodlands are sustainably managed and annual replanting occurs.

  • We use a solar water heating system to provide heated water to the family home and visitor bathrooms. 

  • To reduce our energy usage further we use energy efficient bulbs in the home and outbuildings. Ensuring we in the home and guests are aware of energy usage and encouraging small changes such as turning off switches and lights when leaving a room.

Waste

  • We recycle all paper, cardboard, tin cans, aluminium cans, plastic, glass, electrical waste and clothes.

  • We grow our own vegetables which avoids a large amount of packaging waste.

  • We compost all our own organic waste including fruit and vegetable peelings, tea, etc. This is recycled as compost and used on our vegetable garden to enrich the soil.

  • All silage plastic is collected and brought to the local recycling facility

  • We aim to reduce paper usage by sending correspondence and booking confirmation forms by email. We avoid printing documents and emails where possible.

Water

  • Rainwater is collected in various locations on the farm for use in the cow sheds. We also use this water for gardening and equipment cleaning.

Our commitment:


Tourism that takes full account of its current and future environmental, social and economic impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and communities” - The World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)

 

Contributing to Conservation and Biodiversity

Tommy was designated as a local Biodiversity Champion by the Irish Wildlife Trust in 2019. Nominated by Brigid Barry of Farming for Nature, she stated “for many years Tommy had consistently come up with and sought ideas and ways to protect, promote and enhance the biodiversity, habitats and environmental awareness on the farm, in his local community and the region”. Specifically, our commitment to protecting the raised bog habitat and the breeding ground of the marsh fritillary butterfly were of high importance.

Contributing to the Community

We have been involved with Social Farming Ireland since 2014 Social Farming offers people who are socially, physically, mentally or intellectually disadvantaged the opportunity to spend time on a family farm in a healthy, supportive and inclusive environment. Participants have the freedom to take part in farming activities, to be at ease and find joy in being outdoors and active.