The Forest of Bowland National Landscape Partnership is excited to announce the extension of the Defra-funded Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme for an additional year, now running until the end of March 2026.
Since its launch in July 2021, this national initiative has involved over 7,000 farmers and land managers, supporting more than 4,600 projects in its first three years.
Grant funding is available for projects that align with Defra’s four themes: climate, nature, people and place, as well as the objectives outlined in the Forest of Bowland National Landscape Management Plan. The FiPL programme is delivered by Protected Landscapes across the country, including the dedicated team in the Forest of Bowland National Landscape.
Over the past four years in the Forest of Bowland, the programme has provided numerous benefits, including engaging with over 300 expressions of interest and delivering 167 successful projects. Through FiPL, farmers and land managers have been supported in initiatives that foster nature recovery, mitigate climate change impacts, provide opportunities for people to explore and enjoy the landscape and cultural heritage and deliver sustainable, nature-friendly farming practices.
One notable example is Croasdale Farm, a working upland beef and sheep farm committed to habitat management and educational outreach. Their successful application facilitated ecological surveys, the purchase of machinery for bracken management, educational access equipment and the creation and management of hedgerows and woodlands.
Other examples include the restoration of traditional barns, with new or restored windows and doors allowing continued agricultural use of these important landscape features. Additionally, three farms – as part of wider applications - received funding for equipment to enable direct sales of their own produce to the public.
Tarja Wilson, Forest of Bowland National Landscape FiPL Lead Officer said: "The team are looking forward to working with farmers and landowners to deliver a further year of the FiPL programme. On a local level, we have seen some great projects delivered, which will benefit both the environment and those within it. Our key strength is our team, which is made up of advisors who live in the area and have grown up on working farms. We'd love to work with new applicants to help a wider range of local farmers during these challenging times."
The Forest of Bowland National Landscape FiPL team will shortly be releasing further details about the programme extension.
In the meantime, we would encourage you to complete an Expression of Interest form on our website. https://www.forestofbowland.com/farming-protected-landscapes
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