This month marks the one-year anniversary of the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme’s launch, which provides funding for farmers and land managers
With the Lake District National Park, Yorkshire Dales National Park, and the North Pennines AONB all falling within Dr Neil Hudson’s constituency, Penrith and The Border, few MPs have witnessed the transformative nature of the scheme’s projects, than the Cumbrian representative.
FiPL provides funding and support for farmers and land managers to deliver projects within Protected Landscapes for climate, nature, people and place. As part of the Government’s response to the Landscapes Review it focuses on the key challenges facing farmers in Protected Landscapes – helping improve and prevent damage to the landscape; effectively manager high levels of visitors and helping farmers and businesses capitalise on the many social and financial benefits that visitors can provide.
The programme is part of a Government pledge to protect 30% of land by 2030 and hit net zero by 2050 with nature-based solutions.
With more than 1,000 projects approved for funding by the scheme so far, a recent publication has shined a light on the great work being accomplished in our rural communities.
One of these in Townfoot Farm, near Cumrew in the North Pennines AONB. Which has seen the Eden Rivers Trust restore a beck to follow its old route, increasing storage capacity, reducing flood risk and increasing biodiversity. From geomorphologists and fish rescue consultants to the local council and contractors, a host of experts were engaged in the project.
Moreover, the landowner was involved in every stage of design and delivery and will be key to managing this through grazing and monitoring biodiversity
Other Penrith and The Border projects include a barn restoration an educational facility in Watermillock, a hedge and wildlife corridor to facilitate regenerative farming near Penrith, and the development of a farm cluster in the Orton Fells to engage the public and boost landscape recovery.
Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, said:
“This scheme has been a massive success for us here in Cumbria and I’m so pleased for all the applicants who have benefited from funding. I’ve seen first-hand some of the innovative projects being invested in by Government to help local people deliver for themselves and the environment.
“FiPL are still accepting applications so I urge any farmers and land managers with exciting ideas to get involved.
“For me, farming and protecting the environment naturally go hand in hand, so empowering local food producers and land custodians to improve their own landscapes and communities is really refreshing. I congratulate everyone involved on the scheme’s one-year anniversary and can’t wait to see what brilliant projects come out of it next.”
