Two new ‘Farming for Nature ambassadors’ from the Midlands have been added to the 2025 list of 12 new farmers, recognised for leading the way in nature-friendly farming.
The prestigious accolade has been awarded to Margaret Edgill, who manages a 46-hectare organic farm called Mount Briscoe in Daingean. Margaret Edgill blends organic beef production with agritourism & local food innovation.
Sean Butler is the other newly awarded ambassador from Roscommon. He is a regenerative grassland farmer who shifted the whole farm system and transformed his land.
What Does Regenerative Agriculture Look Like on Seán Butler’s Farm?
Seán Butler is a pioneering regenerative farmer from Brideswell, Roscommon, working on dry limestone soil in Ireland. Farming since 1976, Seán transitioned from intensive agriculture to organic practices in 2001 and now leads the way in regenerative farming. Restoring soil, supporting biodiversity, and building climate resilience, Seán operates a fully organic beef farm that integrates livestock with nature.
He maintains a small suckler herd of 12 cows, including Angus, Hereford crosses, and Moiled breeds; a ¾ Stabiliser bull for breeding; and a multi-paddock rotational grazing system that allows soil and grasses time to recover. In addition, Seán has planted 11 hectares of native woodland, creating habitat for wildflowers like orchids and cuckoo flowers, as well as supporting pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. His work proves that regenerative livestock farming and biodiversity conservation can go hand in hand.
How Did Seán Transition from Conventional to Regenerative Farming?
Seán began his career with traditional, high-intensity methods. But over time, he witnessed the environmental cost, not just to his land, but to the future of farming itself.
“What I thought it meant to be a good farmer meant there was environmental collateral damage. We always need to find another bit of land once we’ve depleted the first bit.”
This realisation sparked a transformation. Seán converted his farm to certified organic production and, more recently, adopted regenerative farming practices. Now in its fourth year of regeneration, his land is flourishing, demonstrating that food can be produced while restoring ecosystems.
Mount Briscoe Farm: How is Margaret Edgill making it work?
Mount Briscoe’s biodiversity is flourishing, supported by ancient beech trees (250–300 years old), mixed broadleaf copses, and spruce plantations planted through early participation in the REPS scheme. Margaret’s recent hedge-laying of 480 metres in January 2025, alongside coppicing and replanting, reflects her commitment to living, working landscapes. These hedgerows aren’t just habitat; they’re also part of the farm’s diversification, supplying ingredients for her foraged preserves and cordials.
Agritourism & local food innovation
Margaret offers glamping and self-catering stays, creating immersive, nature-based experiences. Next steps include pigs in agroforestry, charcuterie products, a micro-dairy, and the creation of biodiversity-rich ponds. The farm also hosts a moth monitoring programme, strengthening its role as a hub for local ecology. Her annual on-farm dining event features dishes almost entirely sourced from the land.
Through careful grazing, tree planting and habitat conservation, she is building a system where food production, biodiversity, and rural enterprise thrive together.
Margaret Edgill and Seán Butler join a growing network of land stewards across Ireland who are building a healthier, more nature-friendly countryside. The Ambassador Network now comprises 115 farmers, representing every county and farming system in Ireland. This network is committed to learning from each other, sharing knowledge, and showing that farming for nature is a source of pride and purpose.
Farming For Nature was set up in 2018 as a non-profit project with a mission to support and inspire farmers who farm, or who wish to farm, in a way that will improve the natural health of our countryside. For a list of the Midlands ambassadors since 2018, check out the list here.
