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 being delivered on Dartmoor from March 2021 - 2026.

The Dartmoor National Park FiPL team are nearing our budget allocation and it is likely that our existing pipeline of applications will utilise our remaining budget available for 25/26.

If you are still interested in applying for funding, please fill out our Expression of Interest Form with as much detail as possible so that we have a record of your enquiry, but please be aware that there is no guarantee of funding at this stage of the programme.

In the event of any unexpected underspend, the team will consider fully developed applications that demonstrate 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, deliverability and legacy. Please note, the team are at maximum capacity and are therefore unable to advise on project development for new projects.

Year 1: Farming in Protected Landscapes programme report

Year 2: Farming in Protected Landscapes programme report

Year 3: Farming in Protected Landscapes programme report

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.

Please note - the programme criteria is not the same as in previous years. FiPL is a time limited programme (2021-2026) that aims to provide additional investment in our most special places.

The programme works alongside – not in competition with - existing schemes and adds value where it is needed most. This means that if activities can be delivered through existing schemes they should be.

If an activity exists in another scheme that is currently closed or paused, FiPL cannot be used to fill the gap. FiPL cannot undermine other schemes by offering to fund an item/activity that is available in another scheme.

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 our website.

The Four FiPL Outcomes:

The Farming in Protected Landscapes programme can help 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.

Please consider how your project idea contributes towards the following national targets and outcomes:

30by30 on land in England criteria

Protected Landscapes Target and Outcomes framework

Climate: Great Sloncombe Farm

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.

Example projects

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

View examples of projects