MARIANN Klay (below) of Swordlestown Little Stud is delighted to have made the longlist for the the Farming for Nature initiative which seeks to acknowledge and support those farmers who farm in a way that will improve the natural health of our countryside.

Nominated by Soil Ireland adviser Tom Stapleton, the citation reads: “Mariann is farming in Swordlestown Little since 1998. She is a qualified vet and is originally from Switzerland. She breeds thoroughbred racehorses on the farm.

“Mariann has researched extensively about parasites in horses, particularly the Rhodococcus bacteria.

Wildlife

“Mariann farms her land with every consideration given to the animals and wildlife that inhabit it. She works in partnership with her farm and with nature.

“Her farm is a hive of activity from the birds and the bees, the wild flowers, the owl and her pride and joy ‘the Pond’.

“The pond and it’s surroundings deserves a special mention as it has provided a habitat for an immeasurable amount of insects and wildlife.”

Sounds like heaven on earth.