Brendan managed the Burren Programme from 2010 to 2023 and is a founder of the Burrenbeo charity. Focusing on the wellbeing of people and place, Burrenbeo’s work includes monthly walks and talks, conservation volunteering, festivals such as Burren in Bloom and Burren Winterage, education projects such as ‘Heritage Keepers’ and hands-on nature restoration initiatives such as ‘The Hare’s Corner’.

Brendan is also a founder of Farming for Nature which aims to acknowledge, celebrate and support farmers across Ireland and Europe who work to protect nature. He has served two terms on the Advisory boards of both the Environmental Protection Agency and the Heritage Council. He is a regular contributor to the Irish Farmers Journal and an occasional contributor to other publications.