Name:  Isabelle Sutton

Farm Name: Sutton Farm

Farm Type: Organic and Horticulture

About the Farm Holding

Isabelle and her family have lived on the Sutton Farm for over 25 years. It is a flower farm and a wildlife and biodiversity reserve on 20 acres. In addition to the flower farm being a working farm, providing vegetables for my family and neighbours and cutting flowers for local shops, markets and events, there is something more going on. It is a haven for wildlife and is run on totally organic principles with no chemicals, pesticides, or artificial fertilizer used. There are wetlands, woodlands, wildflower meadows, and an abundance of butterflies and insect life. Throughout the year there are many birds, ducks, egrets, swans, herons, kingfishers, and otters. All wildlife and biodiversity are very much part of the experience on Isabelle’s farm.

A Social Farming Day 

• Tulip and daffodil picking
• Seed sowing for summer flowers
• Seed sowing for vegetables
• Planting Wildflower Meadows
• Preparing Nature Trails
• Setting up new beds for vegetable plant
• Assisting in all aspects of flower farming; seed sowing, planting, plant care, soil care, harvesting, flower arranging and preparing flowers for market.
• Art activities, wildlife identification, plant identification.
• Nature walks, vegetable growing and harvesting.

Local & Community Interests

Isabelle is  involved in the local environmental group in Bandon and Friends of Inishannon Conservation Group. She has a particular interest in wildlife in the area. She is  involved in the local church altar flower group. We have country markets in Bandon (Friday and Saturday) and a farmers’ market on Saturdays where Isabelle often sell her flowers.

Isabelle has a background working in the rehabilitation of people with disabilities and I have also trained (to level 7) in social and therapeutic horticulture. The farm is a designated work experience venue for Kinsale college horticulture students so with this experience, in training and working with people with disabilities and social disadvantage coupled with years of horticulture experience. Isabelle is passionate about the therapeutic benefits of being outside in nature and have read widely on the topic and have trained (at Waterford Institute of Technology) in this area.

The Farm