FiPL: Farming in Protected Landscapes

The Farming in Protected Landscapes programme is part of Defra’s Agricultural Transition Plan, and runs until March 2025. It offers funding to nature-friendly farmers and land managers in National Parks, the Broads and National Landscapes under four themes; nature, climate, people and place.

In July 2023, Defra published the findings of an interim evaluation (opens new window). It highlighted the popularity of the programme, with around 3,000 projects having been awarded funding. Key elements to the success of Farming in Protected Landscapes have overwhelmingly been the provision of a dedicated Adviser for each enquiry and project, the flexibility of what can be funded and when, and farmer-led Local Assessment Panels, with a quick turn around of payments.

The programme in the Peak District received over 500 enquiries in the first two years, with almost 250 projects approved, supporting over 350 farmers and land managers.

“It’s a farmer-led scheme, which is really important to the farming community of the Peak District, so it has been great to see the positive feedback about how simple the process has been and how it has helped support farmers and land managers throughout the National Park to implement sustainable farming practices, increase biodiversity and support rural enterprise.” Tom Mills, Bubnell Cliff Farm

Read more about the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme in the Peak District (opens new window).