Water, Land, Farming, Food Security & the Future of the Shannon Basin

What does a healthy Shannon look like from the perspective of the people who live and work on its land and waterways.

Farmers have a deep and practical understanding of the Shannon Basin - its rivers, soils, seasons, changing water levels and the challenges and opportunities facing the land. This gathering is an opportunity to bring that knowledge together and create a space where farmers and the wider community can share experiences, learn from one another and help shape the future of the Shannon.

We want to hear what is happening on the ground: what is working, what is changing, what is difficult, and what could be done differently.

Together, we’ll explore the practices and approaches that are helping to support healthy soils, rivers and landscapes, as well as the pressures facing farmers, communities and water across the basin. We’ll also consider where stronger collaboration, practical support and new ideas could make a differece.

The gathering will introduce Rights of Rivers - an emerging approach that recognises rivers as living systems with the right to exist, flourish and regenerate. We want to explore: what could Rights of Rivers mean for farming? What opportunities or concerns might it raise? And how could farmers help shape what it means?

This will be an informal, participatory gathering with space for conversation, sharing and listening. We’ll build connections between farmers and communities, capture local knowledge and ideas, and explore how these could contribute to a future Shannon Rights of Rivers Charter.

www.shannonriverkeepers.org.