FARMERS and land managers in England’s National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) will be given grants to make improvements to the natural environment, cultural heritage and public access.

The three-year programme, Farming in Protected Landscapes, was announced recently by Government, and will be open to farmers and land managers to support nature recovery, mitigate the effects of climate change, and provide ways for people to discover, enjoy and understand the landscape.

In this area, the funding available for projects in National Parks and AONBs in the first year comprises: Arnside and Silverdale AONB - £132,509; Forest of Bowland AONB - £864,635; Lake District National Park - £1,041,000; North Pennines AONB – £1,150,000; Solway Coast AONB – £141,000; Yorkshire Dales National Park - £1,211,159.

National Parks and AONBs are living, working landscapes that support communities and businesses, but are also home to a huge range of habitats and species. They are also places that are enjoyed by millions of visitors and residents every year. The Farming in Protected Landscapes programme will fund a range of projects to help look after these areas.

The programme will provide funding for one-off projects which allow farmers and land managers in protected landscapes to: support nature recovery – such as increasing habitats to improve biodiversity or greater connectivity between habitats; mitigate the impacts of climate change – such as reducing flood risk or storing more carbon; provide opportunities for people to discover, enjoy and understand the landscape and its cultural heritage; support nature-friendly and sustainable farm businesses.

The Farming in Protected Landscapes programme will run from 2021 to 2024, and proposals are invited from now. Further information can be obtained by contacting your local AONB or National Park team. The funding is for one-off projects and is not an agri-environment scheme.

Helping people to enjoy and understand the landscape is a priority.