Farming in Protected Landscapes

DEFRA’s Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme opened for applications in July 2021 as part of the Agricultural Transition Plan.

I have to put my hands up and admit that I am guilty of having dismissed this scheme until I recently decided to take a moment to learn more. The first piece of good news is that the scheme runs through to 31 March 2024, so all is not lost!

What is FiPL?

This is a scheme is open to all farmers and land managers within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), National Park in England or the Broads. Whilst it may be obvious to many eligible applicants whether they lie in one of these areas, it is worth double checking here on Magic Maps whether part of your farm is contained in or near to a relevant catchment as the programme could also support activity on neighbouring land.

FiPL has been designed to support one-off projects to help enhance nature recovery, mitigate the impacts of climate change, improve access to protected landscapes and cultural heritage, and promote sustainable farm businesses that are nature-friendly.

FiPL should NOT be seen as an agri-environment scheme, rather a way of directing funding for individual projects delivering specific benefits where they are most needed. However, being within an existing agri-environment scheme will not be a barrier to entry. Similarly, by entering into a FiPL scheme you will not impact your ability to enter into a new Countryside Stewardship or Sustainable Farming Incentive contract. Please note when you are thinking about a project that double funding will not be permitted where a benefit is already being delivered through another government scheme, so consider your options carefully!

But what does this actually mean for farmers and landowners that tick the right boxes?

Firstly, your proposal needs to meet one or more of four Programme Outcomes:

1. Climate - improving carbon storage/sequestration, reducing flood risk, or making the landscape more resilient to climate change

2. Nature - improving wildlife and habitats, increasing connectivity between habitats, or increasing biodiversity

3. People - increasing opportunity for public access to land, and improving access for a more diverse audience the landscape

4. Place - improve the the quality and character or the landscape, protect historic structures and features, and increase the resilience of nature-friendly sunstable farm businesses

Using the Cannock Chase AONB as an example, (situated only 1 mile from RB Rural’s office!), the scheme could help to fund some of the following:

• a farm carbon audit;

• connecting woodland habitat through new hedge planting;

• restoring drystone walls;

• grassland restoration;

• creation of herbal leys;

• creating scrapes, ponds or other wetland;

• conserving historic features on your farm;

• tree planting;

• installation of bird and bat boxes;

• fencing to secure field boundaries;

• water infrastructure to improve grazing management;

• species rich hay meadows to improve floristic diversity in field

All projects are scored using a common scoring system which is weighted as follows:

• Project outcomes (40%)

• Value for money (20%)

• Sustainability / legacy of project (20%)

• Ability to deliver (20%)

Your project must be delivered by 31 March 2024, so you must carefully consider how realistic your plans are to improve your prospects of being successful.

Naturally, there is a great deal more to the process that is covered in this brief article. We’d be delighted to speak with you if you would like to learn more and see whether you should consider a FiPL application.