Farm Walk in Boho

Trevor Irwin farms with his wife Melanie, daughter Natalie, and son Ashley in Boho, Fermanagh. The farm manages medium-sized suckler cows and uses artificial insemination to breed quality weanlings for local sales in Enniskillen. Alongside careful selection of genetics, Trevor ensures he maximises the potential of his animals by regularly vaccinating for Blackleg, BVD, and other common diseases.

A significant area of the farm lies within the Aghnaglack Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI), designated for its species-rich wet grasslands and fens. These habitats are now scarce in the Northern Ireland countryside and tend to occur only where traditional farming practices have been maintained.

Hedgerows feature prominently on the Irwin farm, consisting largely of native tree and shrub species that are maintained using a range of management practices which we will discuss during the walk. Many of these hedgerows are visible on the first edition of the Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland (OSNI) maps produced in the 1830s.

Maria McKinney makes work through a range of media including sculpture, installation, photography and video. Through her art practice, she reflects on the wider societal implications brought about by developments in agriculture and scientific research. Maria engages directly with farmers and scientists to create work about what they do. She often makes work with non-traditional art materials such as AI straws, and combines hand-craft with response to context.

Maria’s work has been exhibited Internationally, including at The Wellcome Collection, London, UK; The Museum of English Rural Life, Reading, UK; The RHA, Dublin; The RCC, Donegal; Pace University Gallery, NYC, USA; The Gregg Museum, North Carolina, USA; and Sunderland Museum, UK. Her work is held in the collections of the Arts Council of Ireland, the Museum of English Rural Life, Europol, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Office of Public Works and Bank of Ireland.

Neil moved to Ireland with his family in 1991 and now lives on a small farm in County Leitrim. Since the mid-1980s, he has been involved in practical conservation work, having trained with the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers in England. Specialising in hedgerows, particularly hedge laying, Neil has been self-employed in hedgerow management as a consultant, contractor, and trainer since 1997. He has conducted eleven County Hedgerow Surveys for Local Authorities since 2004.

In addition to his conservation work, Neil practices traditional woodworking using hand tools, crafting items from local hardwoods, such as carved wooden spoons, tool handles, and Windsor chairs. With a 30-year career in hedge laying, Neil is a strong advocate for hedgerow maintenance. He understands their crucial role in providing shelter and nourishment for wildlife and admires their beauty, especially in Leitrim, calling the Irish landscape a “wonder of the world”.

Phillip McCrilly is a Belfast-based artist and chef. Interested in the transgressive and interdisciplinary possibilities of food, hospitality and education, he was a participant within the Gramouce’s first alternative MA in Food & Art Studies, as well as a former co-director of artist-run spaces, FRUIT SHOP and Catalyst Arts.

Considering cruising and foraging as likeminded deviant practices, his research centres around queer collective acts of land and property reclamation. Recent projects include wet HEAT sweats without scent, a Platform Commission for 40th edition of EVA International, and Meals and Sandwiches, a series of kitchen-based residencies at The American Bar, and Bakari Bakery, Belfast.

As part of the Creative Ireland Shared Island Programme, Leitrim County Council and The Dock are working with Leitrim Sustainable Agriculture Group and Ulster Wildlife to present a series of six creative Farm Walks curated by Natalia Beylis throughout 2024.

During each Farm Walk, farmers will lead a talk about their farm, current practices and future plans alongside a talk by an invited artist whose work resonates with that farm, its environment, heritage and other special characteristics.

The project draws attention to the synergies and common interests between artists and farmers and highlights common farming, environmental and creative interests in such themes as biodiversity, farming in harmony with nature, water quality and climate action. This project builds on the partnership between the project partners, farmers and artists - fostering goodwill, friendship and collaboration.