ANOTHER successful year for the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) scheme has been lauded by Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA).

The programme started in 2021 as a three-year funding window to support farmers through the agricultural transition following Brexit.

However, it was extended after the success of the programme across all protected landscapes in England, National Parks and National Landscapes, with the most money allocated per landscape in its fourth year.

ENPA FiPL co-ordinator Vickie Sellick said: “For ENPA that was over £720,000 for delivery of projects that resulted in one or more of the 14 FiPL outcomes over the four themes of climate, nature, people, and place.

“Throughout the year Defra gave us opportunities to request more money for particular types of projects, including historic buildings and public access.

“We were able to successfully bid for an additional £485,000, bringing our total allocation to £1.2 million.

“We have been able to support pond restoration, orchard creation, hedge laying and fencing, improvements to farmyards, community groups, community-supported agriculture, meadow restoration, non-native invasive species control, access improvements, conserve and enhance landscape character through management of characteristic features like leats, historic building restoration, tree planting, and many more projects.”

Ms Sellick said FiLP had helped deliver on the ground improvements in nature and biodiversity, soil health, climate mitigation, engagement with volunteers, and schoolchildren, as well as improvements in Exmoor’s unique landscape character.

This year, FiLP has helped to deliver:

Anybody who has a project idea they believe ENPA might be able to support should visit the authority’s website for details of the programme or email [email protected].