Successful applicants of the facilitation fund mainly consist of rivers trusts or catchment-based groups who will bring together a minimum of four farmers, foresters, and other land managers to explore opportunities for natural flood management measures over an area of 2000ha or greater.
There are a total of 12 successful applicants spanning the North East and North West of the country. Each of the agreements lasts for three years.
The NFU recognises the benefits of the facilitation fund for natural flood management schemes due to the large number of points to consider prior to involvement in the schemes. These include gaining the relevant consents and permits needed from different government agencies, BPS eligibility, riparian rights and responsibilities and reducing the potential to inadvertently exacerbate flooding in other areas.
The NFU believes it is essential that these considerations are included in the advice provided by successful applicants of the facilitation fund.
The NFU has separately produced a member-only briefing containing more information on the wider considerations for involvement in a NFM scheme.