Farming in Protected Landscapes scheme continued
Defra reveals that the agricultural scheme within protected areas will be extended until March 2025 and additional grants will be provided for selected National Parks
In an attempt to support England’s National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), Defra announced this week that the Farming in Protected Landscapes scheme will be extended until March 2025.
This scheme has been in operation since 2021 and news of its extension will provide some reassurance for CLA members who farm within protected landscapes.
The programme will fund projects that:
- Support nature recovery
- Mitigate the impacts of climate change
- Provide opportunities for people to discover, enjoy and understand the landscape and its cultural heritage
- Protect or improve the quality and character of the landscape or place
In addition to this announcement, the government revealed that ten of England’s national parks are set to benefit from extra funding to support services such as visitor centres and park rangers.
The new funds amount to £4.4m and are said to be shared evenly across the following National Park authorities:
- Broads
- Dartmoor
- Exmoor
- Lake District
- New Forest
- North Yorkshire Moors
- Northumberland
- Peak District
- South Downs
- Yorkshire Dales
Environment Secretary Dr Thérèse Coffey said:
Our National Parks are the jewel in our cherished landscapes. They support thriving communities, economies, wildlife and are important places for public health and wellbeing. This additional £4.4m of funding will support the important work that National Park Authorities do across our countryside, and allow local people and visitors to enjoy these much loved spaces