Farming in Protected Landscapes
The Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme (FiPL) is funded by Defra and supports farmers and land managers in National Landscapes and National Parks to deliver projects that support nature recovery, mitigate the impacts of climate change, provide opportunities for people to engage with the landscape and cultural heritage and support nature-friendly, sustainable farm businesses.
What is Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL)?
FiPL launched in July 2021, and will end in March 2025. It is a programme of one-off funding for bespoke projects that target the core programme themes of Climate, Nature, People and Place, and also address the Quantock Hills Management Plan Priorities [link].
FiPL is delivered locally in each protected landscape: there are dedicated staff to support applicants in developing projects and preparing applications, and a Local Assessment Panel comprising local farmers and other stakeholder organisations with special expertise.
We are now accepting applications for the final year of the programme, and our team can advise you on the criteria, priorities and rules that are relevant to your project. Get in touch by contacting Katie Read, Landscape Projects Officer by email at katie.read@somerset.gov.uk or on the phone on 07977 412249.
How to apply
Contact Katie to receive an application pack and discuss your project. She will help you to prepare your application and advise on upcoming deadlines.
Applications for less than £5,000 will be decided upon by a senior member of the National Landscape Team (who has no prior knowledge of the project). Applications for over £5,000 will be judged by a Local Assessment Panel, which meets every 6-8 weeks.
Who can apply
FiPL is open to all farmers and land managers (including from the private, public and charity sectors) in the Quantock Hills National Landscape, or on land outside the boundary where the activities will benefit the QHNL or further our Management Plan objectives. You can see the boundary by visiting the MAGIC mapping website. Click on ‘designations’, ‘land-based designations’ and then ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty England.’
You must manage all land included in the project area, or have written permission from the landowner for your activities. Common land is eligible for support through the Programme. You can apply as a landowner with sole rights, or as a group of commoners acting together.
Other organisations and individuals can apply, as long as they do this in collaboration with a farmer or land manager, or in support of a farmer or group of farmers.
You may apply even if you have not been eligible for government agri-environment schemes previously. You do not have to be registered with the RPA, and there is no minimum holding size.
What FiPL can fund
FiPL can support a broad range of activities and provide both revenue and capital funding. There is no list or menu of eligible options, so if you have an idea and you aren't sure whether it's eligible, please don't hesitate to get in touch and ask.
Where a funded activity has an equivalent in an agri-environment scheme like Countryside Stewardship, FiPL will always offer the same rate. Where that isn't the case, FiPL will award a grant intervention rate against the cost of the activity.
Where an applicant will not make a commercial gain through a project, they could receive up to 100% of the costs if the project successfully demonstrates strong outcome delivery and good value for money. Where an applicant would benefit commercially from a project, they could receive between 40% and 80% of the costs through the Programme, depending on how much commercial benefit the project will give them. Where an activity is primarily for commercial benefit or to achieve efficiency and productivity savings, applicants can receive up to 40% of the cost in FiPL support.
The Programme works alongside – not in competition with – Defra’s existing and new schemes, adding value where it is most needed. If a potential project can be rewarded through those schemes instead, you will be made aware of them.
FiPL funded projects
In the first 3 years of the Programme, we have supported 49 projects and awarded over £400,000 in FiPL grants. We currently have just over £125,000 remaining to allocate and are still very interested in meeting new applicants and developing new projects.
Follow the links at the bottom of this page to read case studies of some of our projects, and you can also download a full summary of all grant awards here.
FiPL is a national programme, and you might like to see what's been funded in other protected landscapes for inspiration. Reports a published annually celebrating the Programme nationally, and showcasing projects from across England:
