Farming in Protected Landscapes funding options: find out more

An image of sheep in a field

We've updated our guide to the FiPL scheme, complete with practical examples of ways you can get involved.

The Farming in Protected Landscape (FiPL) programme has moved to a rolling application window. You can read more about this on the Defra website: Rolling application window for Farming in Protected Landscapes

We've updated our guidance on the FiPL programme to reflect this change and to provide an overview of the scheme and a range of practical examples of ways you can get involved.

The FiPL programme aims to create and improve protected landscapes across England by providing funding to support farmer-led projects such as improving public access, creating ponds, and reducing carbon emissions and plastic use on farms.

Thinking of applying?

The Farming in Protected Landscapes programme is open to all farmers and land managers (including from the private, public and charity sector) in a National Park or AONB in England or the Norfolk Broads. The scheme is operated by the National Parks and AONB teams and supported by Natural England.

Overview and example projects: download our briefing

NFU members: Download our detailed guide to the FiPL scheme which outlines a range of sample projects farmers could adopt: Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL), scheme overview and example projects

More information

Increased Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Meanwhile, two of England’s most iconic landscapes are being considered to become new Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), alongside extensions to the Surrey Hills and Chilterns AONBs.

The Yorkshire Wolds and the Cheshire Sandstone Ridge have been put forward to be recognised as protected areas and all four areas will now be formally considered for ‘AONB’ status by Natural England.

There are currently 34 AONBs in England and 10 National Parks.

Richard Bramley

"Farming is at the heart of all activity in our national parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. As we set out in the NFU’s Landscapes and Access report, whether it is incentives to improve public access, manage bigger hedgerows, plant more trees, or conserve carbon through the soil, we do need to see government policies that work together to support the delivery of agriculture’s net-zero ambition and to ensure we have farmed landscapes that can both feed the nation and thrive with wildlife.”
NFU environment forum chair Richard Bramley

Read more about the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme

The Farming in Protected Landscapes programme is a part of Defra’s Agricultural Transition Plan. It will offer funding to farmers and land managers in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), National Parks and the Broads.

The programme will fund projects that:

  • Support nature recovery
  • Mitigate the impacts of climate change
  • Provide opportunities for people to discover, enjoy and understand the landscape and its cultural heritage
  • Support nature-friendly, sustainable farm businesses.

It will run to March 2024.

Who can apply?

The Farming in Protected Landscapes programme is open to all farmers and land managers within an AONB or National Park in England, or the Broads. This includes farmers and land managers from the public, private and charity sector.

The programme is also open to farmers and land managers on land outside of protected landscapes. To be eligible the projects must benefit the protected landscape, or the protected landscape body’s objectives or partnership initiatives.

Find out more on Gov.uk (opens a new web page).


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