East Devon Farmers Invited to Apply for Funding to Support Nature

Farmers and land managers across East Devon are being encouraged to apply for funding through the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme, which supports projects that benefit nature recovery, climate action, local communities, and sustainable farming practices.

The programme, created by Defra and overseen locally by the East Devon National Landscape, has already funded a wide range of projects in the area, from creating new wildlife habitats to restoring traditional orchards. Grants range from £2,000 up to £50,000, with projects needing to be completed by March 2026.

Since its launch, FiPL has supported more than 1,000 projects nationwide, with East Devon farmers and landowners playing their part in shaping a healthier, more resilient landscape for future generations.

Thanks to FiPL support, Mikelyns Farm, Farway has opened 2.1km of new permissive footpaths across private farmland, offering walkers unique and breathtaking views of the East Devon countryside. The project has:

Provided more opportunities for people to explore and understand the landscape.

Improved management of existing habitats.

Enhanced the quality and character of the local area.

Landowner and Farmer, Dawn Loud said: “We’ve been working with the East Devon National Landscape team through FiPL for several years now, and the support has been fantastic. The scheme is straightforward to apply for, and the face-to-face advice and guidance from the local team has been invaluable. The claims process is simple and payments come through quickly once the work is done. The projects we’ve carried out have made a real difference - so far, we’ve been able to open up permissive footpaths across our farmland, and we’ve since gone on to secure funding for hedgelaying and orchard planting to help improve biodiversity.”

At Idehill Farm, FiPL funding (£16,974) was used to lay 501m of hedge, to reinstate a historic orchard using traditional heritage fruit varieties such as Tom Putt, Pig’s Snout, Devonshire Quarrendine apples, Black Mazzard Cherry, Plymouth Pear and the Dittisham Plum and to inbtroduce 3 owl boxes and 10 dormouse boxes. The project has:

Preserved rare fruit varieties for the future.

Increased biodiversity and habitat connectivity.

Enhanced carbon storage and strengthened landscape character.

Farmer, Kate Kenlock said: "When I bought the farm in 2016 it was in poor condition, I was delighted to discover FiPL support and work with the National Landscapes team whose guidance made the funding process really straightforward. Funding has helped me reinstate stock-proof hedges, which provide valuable habitat to birds and small mammals. I have since received funding to sow Yellow Rattle seed to restore 30 acres of wildflower meadow. These meadows now provide food for insects, which in turn support wild birds and bats. It’s been hugely rewarding to see more pollinators, bats, and owls return as a result of our efforts."

Jack Hirst, FiPL Project Officer at East Devon National Landscape, said: “Protected Landscapes such as the East Devon National Landscape and our National Parks are special and unique places. By supporting the farmers, land managers and people who live and work here, we can help protect a huge range of habitats and species, strengthen local communities, enhance the areas sense of place, as well as creating a more climate resilient landscape."

“Its really exciting for local people that there are still funds left for projects which can be completed by March 2026. If you have a project in mind, please do get in touch so we can see if there is funding available to you.”

The Farming in Protected Landscapes programme is open, with funding available for projects that can be completed by March 2026.

To find out more or to discuss a project idea, contact the FipL Project Officer, Jack Hirst via Whatsapp: 07552634994 or email: jack.hirst@eastdevon-nl.org.uk .

More information can also be found at: https://eastdevon-nl.org.uk/our-work/farming-in-protected-landscapes-fipl