New FiPL application window is OPEN

New FiPL application window is OPEN

With spring firmly on the horizon, it feels like a time for new beginnings.

On that note, the Quantock Hills National Landscape Team is delighted to share the news that DEFRA has extended the Farming in Protected Landscape (FiPL) scheme until March 2026.

Farmers and land managers in the QHNL can now apply for funding from the extended FiPL programme. The team are ready to speak with you about your project aspirations and will welcome applications from April 1st.

Photo: Rob Doulton

The FiPL programme offers grants 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 FiPL programme has funded a wide variety of projects over previous years. Many of the projects achieve positive outcomes across all four of the FiPL themes (Nature, People, Place and Climate).

Examples of local projects undertaken in 2024/25 include:

  • restoration and replanting of traditional orchards for juice production
  • planting of fruit trees as part of an agroforestry scheme
  • restoration and on-going management of traditional beech hedgerows
  • planting of disease resistant elm at several sites to support rare butterflies
  • growth and harvesting of edible mushrooms
  • replacement fence on Quantock Common
  • holding of events by Somerset Hedge Group
  • creation of a new bridleway to provide a safer route for pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists

FiPL funding enables farmers and land managers (including from the private, public and charity sector) to access support for bespoke projects that may not align exactly with the existing environmental land management (ELM) schemes offered by the Government. FiPL can still fund activities which may result in a commercial gain, but only a proportion of the project will be funded.

If you would like to know more please contact our FiPL Officer, Helen Richardson:  

email [email protected]

phone: 07980 666183

You can also find more information on our website:  https://www.quantockhills.com/farming-in-protected-landscapes