Farming in Protected Landscapes

Farming in Protected Landscapes is a grant scheme for farmers and land managers in National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) across England.

The programme has been developed by Defra, and is being delivered locally through the Dartmoor National Park Authority.

It aims to support farmers and land managers in carrying out projects that support the natural environment, mitigate the impacts of climate change, provide public access opportunities or support nature-friendly, sustainable farm businesses.

Farming in Protected Landscapes is running from March 2021 - March 2026.

Year 1: Farming in Protected Landscapes programme report

Year 2: Farming in Protected Landscapes programme report

We anticipate our 5^th year to be our most heavily subscribed and competitive yet, meaning we must ensure maximum impact and benefit from the available funding.

This means we will be looking to prioritise first time applicants to the FIPL programme, especially those who are not currently receiving any other DEFRA funding. We will also be assessing future applications on the extent to which the project demonstrates a strong contribution towards the aims of the Dartmoor National Park Partnership Plan and that go ‘above and beyond’ in terms of value for money and legacy.

It is also worth noting that at present, we are working at a reduced capacity whilst we wrap up the 4^th year of the programme. We are therefore not currently able to actively support applicants with their projects, nor process or consider any new applications.

We are delighted with how successful FiPL has been on Dartmoor. But please do bear with us while we finalise the current year and establish FIPL for the year ahead.

Who can apply

The programme is open to farmers and land managers from the private, public and charity sector.
The land where the proposed project will take place must be within the Dartmoor National Park boundary.
You must manage all of the land included in the application and have control of all the activities you’d like to undertake - or you must have written consent from all parties who have this management and control.
Other organisations and individuals can apply, if the application is in collaboration with a farmer or land manager, or supports a farmer or a group of farmers.
Common land is eligible for support. You can apply as a landowner with sole rights, or as a group of commoners acting together.

Our guidance for applicants

What the programme will pay for

The Farming in Protected Landscapes programme can fund projects that result in at least one of the below four outcomes below, as well as show evidence of deliverability, legacy and value for money:

Climate

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

A greater area of wildlife-rich habitat.
Greater connectivity between habitats.
Better management of existing habitats for biodiversity
Increased biodiversity.

People

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

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).

In addition to this, your project must help to deliver at least one of the objectives in the Dartmoor National Park Partnership Plan.

Payment rates

Farming in Protected Landscapes is not an agri-environment scheme, it is a programme of funding for one-off projects covering the below areas of work. 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.

If an activity is equivalent to one under Countryside Stewardship (CS), the Programme payment rate will be the same as the CS rate. This is to ensure consistency across Defra's funding schemes. You can find current CS rates here.

If an activity doesn't align to a government CS rate, we will base funding offers on the projected costs of an activity (with final payments being made against evidenced quotes).

Applying for funding

How to apply

For further details regarding DNPA's transparency of funding, please refer to the Publication Scheme, Open Data, Funding and Accounts pages under the How We Work section of this website.

Example projects

Find out what projects could be supported through Farming in Protected Landscapes

View examples of projects

Contact us

If you want to discuss your application or have any questions, please contact the Farming in Protected Landscapes team by email at fipl@dartmoor.gov.uk, or call 01626 832093 and ask to speak with a member of the team.