Funding available to support local farming communities and our environment.
Local Green Party Councillor supports Defra’s Farming in Protected Landscapes programme.
Article by Stan Evans
Local Meon Valley based Green Party Councillor, Malcolm Wallace stated : ”I’d like to remind our friends in the farming and land management community that Defra’s, Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) program makes funding available to enhance their business and the rural environment, of which they are very much the guardians. This is a wonderful initiative, funding applications for new local projects are open now, this support is especially welcome in these difficult times”.
So what is Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) ?
Overview:
We are very lucky to live in or have such a beautiful rural landscape on our doorsteps. Not only is most of it a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty but it’s also a
hard working environment, farming being at the very heart of our local communities, both with regards to employment, socially, and being responsible for management of our environment.
Many of us actually live within the boundaries of the South Downs National Park, over 75% of which is farmed.
Our rural landscape supports a huge range of habitats and species, which are enjoyed by millions of people every year. So looking after our rural assets has broad positive impact, it’s not just local farmers and their supporting communities, but visitors to our area who support the local economy whilst enjoying everything our countryside, towns, villages, and the city of Winchester has to offer.
Farmers and land managers in the country’s protected landscapes need support to protect what we have for future generations, in recognition of the role they play in managing these areas Defra has developed the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme as part of Defra’s Agricultural Transition Plan, which runs from July 2021 to March 2024.
The programme will pay for projects that provide value for money and result in at least one climate, nature, people or place outcome.
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
• protect or improve the quality and character of the landscape or place
Climate Outcomes
Your project should deliver:
• more carbon being stored, sequestered or both
• reduced flood risk
• a better understanding among farmers, land managers and the public as to what different habitats and land uses can deliver for carbon storage and reduced carbon emissions
• a landscape that’s more resilient to climate change
Nature outcomes
Your project should deliver:
• a greater area of wildlife-rich habitat
• greater connectivity between habitats
• better management of existing habitats for biodiversity
• increased biodiversity
People outcomes
Your project should deliver:
• more opportunities for people to explore, enjoy and understand the landscape
• more opportunities for diverse audiences to explore, enjoy and understand the landscape
• greater public engagement in land management, for example through volunteering
Place outcomes
Your project should deliver:
• enhancing or reinforcing the quality and character of the landscape
• historic structures and features being conserved, enhanced or interpreted more effectively
• an increase in the resilience of nature-friendly sustainable farm businesses, which contributes to a more thriving local economy (you must deliver this along with other outcomes)
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.
· The programme is also open to farmers and land managers on land outside of protected landscapes.
How to apply
Before you apply, you should discuss your project with the protected landscape body, where you can also obtain an application form.
You can submit your application anytime up until the programme closes for applications in 2024.
Your project must end by March 2024.
For us in the Winchester and Meon Valley area that body is the South Downs National Park Authority.
They can be found at https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/custodians/farming/farming-in-protected-landscapes-fipl/
You can check if your land is in a protected landscape
here https://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?&chosenLayers=aonbIndex,npkIndex
