New funding announced for farmers and land managers in South Downs National Park
June 29, 2021
Farmers and land managers in the South Downs National Park will be able to apply for funding as part of a new initiative to support nature-friendly farming and sustainability.
The Farming In Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme was announced this week by Defra to help support farmers in England’s 44 protected landscapes.
The National Park’s farming team will be delivering the programme locally in the South Downs and are now encouraging farmers and land managers to apply for funding.
The programme will run between July 2021 and March 2024, with applications open from 1 July.
Farmers and land managers can apply for funding to carry out projects that:
- support nature recovery
- mitigate the impacts of climate change
- provide opportunities for people to discover, enjoy and understand landscape and cultural heritage
- support nature-friendly, sustainable farm businesses.
Nigel James, Countryside and Policy Manager and who leads the farming team at the National Park, said: “As we transition from the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to a new agricultural support system, farming is going through a significant period of change. To help farmers and land managers in protected landscapes during this time and, in recognition of the vital role they play in managing these areas, Defra has developed the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme,
“Farmers are the lifeblood of the South Downs National Park as around three quarters of this amazing landscape is farmland. We have a range of small family-run farms and large farming estates and each one plays their part in making this a living, working landscape that produces incredible food and drink, as well as supporting wildlife and being enjoyed by millions of people every year.
“We’re looking forward to working with farmers and land managers to help deliver this important programme and bring benefits to all.”
FiPL is open to all farmers and land managers, including those from the private, public and charity sectors.
Nigel added: “It’s important to recognise that this is a programme of funding for one-off projects, not an agri-environment scheme and will work alongside – not in competition with – Defra’s existing and new schemes, adding value where it is most needed.”
To deliver the programme, a Local Assessment Panel, predominantly made up of farmers, is being developed by the National Park Authority. The Panel will meet regularly to decide on which projects should be supported. This will be based on guidance from Defra and relevance to the National Park’s Partnership Management Plan, For the first year of the programme, applications can be received from 1 July 2021 until 31 January 2022.
For more information visit www.southdowns.gov.uk/FarmingInProtectedLandscapes
Application forms will be made available on the website from 1 July or can be requested by emailing FiPL@southdowns.gov.uk
Applications will need to be developed with the National Park’s farming team before being submitted.
- Carrying out a project through this programme will not affect farmers’ and land managers’ ability to enter the new Environmental Land Management Schemes (ELMS)