Farming
Farming in Protected Landscapes
Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) is a Defra funded grant programme for supporting farmers, land managers and people who manage land in protected landscapes, like Nidderdale National Landscape. The aim of the programme is to help protect these exceptional places and support local communities.
About the programme
Through the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme, farmers and land managers can be supported to carry out projects that:
- support nature recovery;
- mitigate the impacts of climate change;
- provide opportunities for people to discover, enjoy and understand the landscape and cultural heritage; or
- support nature-friendly, sustainable farm businesses
These should be one-off projects covering these areas of work and not fundable through an agri-environment scheme.
How to Apply
To apply, read the guidance for applicants and contact us before filling in the application form. Complete the project costs table to provide a breakdown of your project’s costs. Submit your application anytime until the programme closes in 2026. Applications are reviewed and funds awarded throughout this period. Multi-year awards are possible.
Applications over £10,000 are judged by a Local Assessment Panel which includes representatives from Nidderdale National Landscape, Natural England, farming, land management, and conservation specialists. The panel meets every eight weeks.
Applications under £10,000 are decided by a senior National Landscape team member.
Who is eligible
The Farming in Protected Landscapes programme is open to all farmers and land managers in Nidderdale National Landscape, or where activities benefit the National Landscape. This includes private, public and charity sector.
Applicants should manage and control all land and activities in the application, or have written consent from those who do.
Other organisations can apply if they collaborate with or support a farmer or land manager. Common land is eligible, either by sole landowners or groups of commoners.
What the programme will pay for
The Farming in Protected Landscapes programme funds projects that provide value for money and meet at least one of the following outcomes, as determined by the Local Assessment Panel.
Climate outcomes include increased carbon storage and sequestration, reduced flood risk, improved understanding of carbon storage and emissions reduction, and enhanced landscape resilience to climate change.
Nature outcomes focus on improving biodiversity, increasing habitat connectivity, and better managing existing habitats.
People outcomes aim to create more opportunities for diverse audiences to explore and understand the landscape, increase public engagement in land management, and help farmers and land managers feel comfortable providing public goods.
Place outcomes involve reinforcing or enhancing landscape quality and character, conserving historic structures and features, and increasing farm business resilience.
This programme supports sustainable and resilient landscapes for future generations.
Your project must also help to deliver at least one of the objective as outlined starting on page 18 of the Nidderdale AONB Management Plan 2019-2024.
Find out more