Delivering results for farming and nature
Midlands Rural Adviser, Helen Dale looks at the achievements of the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme
Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) is a programme funded by the UK Government and delivered by Defra in partnership with National Park Authorities and National Landscapes (formerly known as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs)).
The programme was launched in 2021 and aimed to provide funding for farmers and land managers under four themes: supporting nature recovery, mitigating the impact of climate change, providing opportunities for people to enjoy, discover and understand the landscape and its cultural heritage, and protecting or improving the quality/character of the place.
There are five protected landscapes within the Midlands which have been running FiPL schemes: the Peak District National Park and four National Landscapes (Cannock Chase, Shropshire Hills, Malvern Hills and Wye Valley (shared with Wales)).
CLA Midlands has been involved at varying levels within each protected landscape. Across all programme areas we have promoted the scheme to members and in several cases have represented the agricultural perspective on grant assessment panels.
Some highlights from across the Midlands region protected landscapes include:
- 76% of funding allocation was awarded to farmers and land managers in the Peak District National Park, with a further 6% directed towards collaborative projects.
- 4,221 hectares of land managed to benefit nature in the Peak District National Park.
- 333 farmers and landowners involved with delivering project in the Shropshire Hills National Landscape.
- £841,264 grant spent across the English part of the Wye Valley National Landscape in 2024/25.
- 2,508 meters of new hedges planted in Cannock Chase National Landscape.
The programme has widely been considered to have been successful in delivering against its four themes and has been positively viewed by the agriculture sector. Projects funded through FiPL are locally tailored and reflect the unique character and priorities of each protected landscape. We are delighted to hear that DEFRA have recently announced that the FiPL programme has been extended.
