Doon Social Farm, a certified organic farm, social enterprise and charity, has received funding from Limerick County and City Council to restore the wetlands on-site.

The funs will also be used to develop a 400m looped walk for wheelchair users and those with restricted mobility, which will be open from June.

Farm manager, Marian Clarke said: "One of the species that has been lost to the farm in the last five years is the snipe. We hope it returns soon with the restored wetlands.

"There is also an application gone in to fund a sensory room and garden. This sensory project is a vital support for some of the families living in and around Doon.

"We hope that we can have it open 24/7 for families who need it," she said.

"Our mission is to provide farm-based programmes and activities for communities to foster wellness and connection in the healing embrace of nature."

The farm at Lisgaugh, Doon, was started in 2019 by Ballyhoura Rural Services (BRS), CLG, a charity that set out to reduce rural isolation through a befriending service.

BRS operates in north Cork and east Limerick - the Ballyhoura region - and has grown since it was established in 2010.

When it was decided to start a social farm, the Sisters of Mercy in Doon offered the convent, the school and the farm as a location for the service. 

"There is never a quiet day here at Doon Social Farm. Most days, we have visitors coming to spend time in nature or to do a bit of farming," Marian continued.

"The social farm is made up of both the services we offer to groups and individuals, and the organic farm that produces the eggs and vegetables.

"Social farming falls under what is called ‘green care’, or nature therapy. As anyone from a farm knows, no better way to relax and de-stress than by getting out into nature.

"Checking the animals, looking at the crops or walking the land, the science shows the beneficial effects this has on our mental health. Social farming is all about wellness and socialising by doing farming activities and being out in nature," the manager added.

The farm works with primary and secondary schools, and organisations that work with adults.

Some of these adults might be experiencing homelessness, mental health issues or have an intellectual disability.

There were over 830 visitors to the farm in 2024. "Many of these were people who wanted to connect with the farm and with nature," she explained.

"They tell us how the social farming experience improves their confidence, relaxes them or reduces their anxiety.

"These are only some of the many outcomes that participants get from social farming. We gather evidence all the time about the outcomes of our programmes and it is very positive."

A lot of the programmes focus on healthy fresh farm produce.

"Children and adults alike get to collect the produce, prepare it, cook it and eat it. There are some surprises when they get to see where eggs actually come from, or that you can lift a potato out of the soil," Marian explained.

"We have been gathering the feedback from the participants and we have seen how joining a programme here at Doon Social Farm has really helped many of the participants."

Marian expressed her gratitude to the staff and team of volunteers that turn up on Volunteer Friday for their commitment: "We love having them and enjoying the chat with them over a scone and a cup of tea."

She explained that anyone is welcome to join this volunteer team from 10:00a.m to 1:00p.m every Friday.

"We got goats this year, and they are determined to get into the vegetables. They are great characters and they pay their way by eating the nettles and briars. We just have to keep a close eye on them," she remarked.

"Our Happy Hen organic eggs are available in shops from Cashel to Limerick, as well as in our own farm shop.

"Sales of the eggs and the produce go toward keeping the farm going, subsidising services,  feeding animals and paying staff," she added.

The farm shop and café are open on Fridays to the public. It is hoped to open on Saturdays later this year. Organic eggs from the farm are used in the baking and they also use their own vegetables for salads and soups.

Children’s camps, school tours and corporate days out are also organised.

"These are nature-based activities that can include making food, nature art, farming and gardening," Marian added.