Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme extended to 2026
Local support available for High Weald farmers and landowners – get in touch now!
We are pleased to announce that Defra has extended the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme (FiPL) until 2026. Additional funding is now available for projects that:
- help nature recover
- reduce the impacts of climate change
- protect and enhance cultural heritage
- improve access to and enjoyment of our beautiful landscapes.
The High Weald National Landscape team will continue to deliver the programme at a local level, supporting farmers and land managers through the entire process – from project development and grant application to delivery.
The programme is non-competitive, so if you own or manage land in the High Weald National Landscape, an eligible project has a strong chance of success.
Fill out our enquiry form for a chat with us about your project and how a grant might help: Farming in Protected Landscapes – Enquiry Form >>
Learn more about the Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme on our dedicated page: Farming in Protected Landscapes >>
The story so far…
Since the programme launched in 2022, a local farmer-led grants panel has awarded £1.6 million to local farmers and land managers for a wide range of activity, including
- Installing mob grazing infrastructure such as semi-permanent electric fencing and mobile water troughs
- Hedge planting and laying, restoring thousands of metres of ancient field boundaries and creating new wildlife habitat
- Farmer-led networking, training and mentoring activity
- Farm habitat surveys and environmental business planning
- Running farm visits for schoolchildren from disadvantaged areas, with support for school liaison, transport, visit plans and activities and supporting infrastructure, such as composting toilets
- Infrastructure to help with deer management and supply and develop venison markets, including support for high seats, deer chillers and training courses for deer stalkers
- Natural flood management projects involving the creation of leaky woody dams to slow the flow of water and reduce flood risk.
Want to know more?
Hear from High Weald farmers about their successful FiPL projects:
Need project inspiration? Check out summaries of all the FiPL grants awarded in the High Weald so far: