Defra’s Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) has been running for the last 5 years and has now been extended for a further 3 years (from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029).
FiPL is a grant programme for supporting farmers, land managers and people who manage land in protected landscapes, like the Howardian Hills National Landscape. The aim of the programme is to help protect these exceptional places and support local farmers and land managers. They 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; and/or support nature-friendly, sustainable farm businesses.
The scheme is open to all farmers and land managers (including from the private, public and charity sector) in the Howardian Hills National Landscape – or where activity on the ground can bring benefit to the National Landscape.
Our projects so far are varied and spread across the whole of the area. The scheme has supported farmers to adapt to new sustainable farming methods, looking to a future with less chemical fertiliser and other expensive inputs. It allows farmers to test out new seed mixes on their land, create wildflower rich meadows and plant herbal leys. These improve soil quality and retain moisture in the ground. Well managed water courses improve water quality and may help prevent flooding, so the scheme has helped farmers prevent damage to riverbanks from livestock and, where appropriate, ensure that water is retained in the land.
Wetland areas have been created to support wading birds and orchards have been planted to both diversify farm income and preserve traditional fruit varieties, many with local historical significance. We have also supported farmers to both restore traditional hedges, plant new ones and incorporate trees on their land. Many of these hedges are comprised of traditional native species such as hawthorn, blackthorn, field maple, hazel and dog rose. Other projects have re-instated hedgerows lost long ago through more intensive agriculture. Some have even created edible hedges to both help nature and to highlight the possibilities and benefits that a nature-friendly environment can offer.
The FiPL programme is another step to promoting a landscape in the Howardian Hills that supports farmers and offers visitors an unrivalled experience of an area of outstanding natural beauty.
For further details look at the ‘Grants’ page, under ‘About’ on this website’s homepage.