Extension of Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme announced

At the Oxford Farming Conference on 8 January 2025, Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds MP announced a series of measures to support farmers in England, focusing on clarity, partnership and growth. Among these was the extension of the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme.

The FiPL programme, which has been running in the Forest of Bowland National Landscape since July 2021, helps farmers and land managers deliver projects that:

• Support nature recovery.
• Mitigate the impacts of climate change.
• Provide opportunities for people to enjoy and understand landscapes and cultural heritage.
• Strengthen nature-friendly, sustainable farm businesses.

Defra – Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs – has confirmed that FiPL will be extended for a further three years, running from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029, with £30 million in funding allocated for next year.

In her announcement, Emma Reynolds highlighted that partnership is at the heart of FiPL, bringing together farmers, protected landscape organisations and local communities to achieve change at a scale no single holding could deliver alone. This extension will enable more farmers to create meaningful benefits for nature, climate and communities across England’s National Parks and National Landscapes.

Since its launch, FiPL has supported over 11,000 farmers across 44 protected landscapes nationwide, funding more than 5,500 projects and helping to establish around 100 farm cluster groups. In the Forest of Bowland National Landscape alone, within the first four years, FiPL has supported over 163 projects—ranging from planting and restoring hedgerows, creating wildlife-rich habitats, and improving soil health to enhancing footpaths, providing accessible amenities and hosting educational farm visits—to name just a few.  It has also supported farmers in starting or progressing their transition to more regenerative farming practices.

Colin Price, Chair of the Forest of Bowland National Landscape Local Assessment Panel, said:
“The Farming in Protected Landscapes programme has had a significant impact in our area. It’s not just about funding projects—it’s about building relationships and creating a shared vision for sustainable farming and thriving landscapes. This extension gives us the opportunity to continue that momentum and deliver even greater benefits for farmers, nature and local communities.”

FiPL forms part of the government’s wider commitment to improving the natural environment, alongside the revised Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) published on 1 December.

Details of the extended funding for the Forest of Bowland National Landscape will be announced soon. Current funding (ending March 2026) is fully allocated, but we encourage interested farmers and landowners to submit an expression of interest via:
www.forestofbowland.com/farming-protected-landscapes