To express your interest in participating in the FARM-Up EIP, please download the forms from the link belwo, fill out your details and return return the completed form by post to: FARM-Up EIP, South West Mayo Development Company, I.P.I. Centre, Breaffy Road, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, F23 V125.
Alternatively you can scan the completed form and email to jwalsh@southmayo.com.
The closing date is Friday 13th March 2026.
Downlaod Expression of Interest FormDownload Farmers QuestionnaireFarming And Restoration Management for Upland Commonages (FARM-Up: Coimín Beo) is a four-year agri-environmental project led by South West Mayo Development Company (SWMDC) in partnership with Cairde na hEaragaile. Co-designed with farmers and supported by a wide network of experts and local farmers, FARM-Up: Coimín Beo aims to improve management practices and implement restoration on upland commonages, particularly in the Nephin area of County Mayo and the An Earagail region of County Donegal.
These landscapes, rich in blanket bog and wet heath habitats, are vital to Ireland’s biodiversity and climate goals but currently face serious ecological challenges. FARM-Up: Coimín Beo responds to this need by working directly with commonage farmers to develop practical, scalable solutions that support regenerative agriculture, habitat restoration, and sustainable land management.
1. Poor Habitat Condition
2. Complexity of Commonage Management
To create a scalable, farmer-led model for the restoration and sustainable management of upland commonages, improving biodiversity, climate resilience, and rural livelihoods. By combining sustainable grazing practices with innovative peatland restoration techniques, the
project aims to create a balanced approach that sustains rural livelihoods. In turn, contributing to Ireland’s national and EU environmental targets.
The project is based between the Nephin area in County Mayo and the An Earagail region of County Donegal. Priority sites will be selected within these areas based on farmer engagement and the habitat condition of the area.
There will be an open call for land owners to express interest. The project will select a number of farmers based on farmer typology to reflect a number of farming systems and socio-economic conditions. The project aims to establish a number of commonage management groups on commonages in the target areas. Tailored restoration and management plans will be made based on farmer input and ideas.
Grazing Management will vary from commonage to commonage based on the condition of the area and farmer involvement. Farmers will be welcome to come up with innovative grazing management solutions which may address the issues faced on their commonages.
Examples of possible of grazing management may include but are not limited to:
The restoration actions will vary from commonage to commonage and will be implemented based on shareholder agreement and appropriate technique. Restoration actions will be coupled with grazing management to allow for habitat improvement.
Restoration actions may include:
The FARM-Up: Coimín Beo EIP has a number of local farmers from both project areas on its Operational Group. This enables farmers to help steer the project while also sharing valuable information about the local area and farming practices on their commonages.
The FARM-Up: Coimín Beo EIP commits to an open call to farmers who express interest in joining the project and are selected based on farmer typology.
Participating farmers will receive:
The core team will include:
Through demonstration sites, citizen science, training, collaboration, and commonage management, FARM-Up: Coimín Beo empowers farmers to lead the way in restoring nature while maintaining viable farming livelihoods. The project also aims to influence future agricultural policy, particularly the next CAP Strategic Plan, by showcasing innovative approaches and building capacity for long-term change.
The FARM-Up EIP is a collaborative project to safeguard Ireland’s upland commonages for future generations. By combining farmer-led innovation, scientific expertise, and community engagement, we are demonstrating practical solutions to restore blanket bogs and wet heaths, enhance biodiversity, and support sustainable farming.
FARM‑Up — Farming And Restoration Management for Upland Commonages
Supported by South West Mayo Development Company, Cairde na hEaragaile & Wild Atlantic Nature LIFE IP
