F ARMING IN PROTECTED LANDSCAPES FUND

A flexible fund often overlooked by farmers.

On 2nd February 2023 it was announced that the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme will be extended until March 2025.

With more money available, now is a good time for farmers in these areas to consider making an application.

First introduced in 2021, FiPL is a part of Defra’s Agricultural Transition Plan offering funding to farmers and land managers (public, private or charity sector) for projects which help to improve and protect National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and support local communities.

FiPL works differently to other schemes, avoiding prescribed options or actions in favour of a broader list of outcomes against which supported projects must deliver. The programme will pay for projects that result in at least one ‘climate, nature, people or place’ outcome and which also support the management plan objectives of the relevant protected area. Funding of up to 100% of the cost of the project is available where there is no commercial gain, and reduces depending on how much benefit there is for the business.