Farmers and land managers in North Devon have recently received a boost of £700,000 in grants. This funding supports nature-friendly farming and conservation projects. The goal is to protect the environment while helping local farms thrive.
This money comes from the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) program, running in North Devon since 2021. Managed by the North Devon Coast National Landscape Team for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the program offers grants to enhance biodiversity and combat climate change.
During the Oxford Farming Conference in January, Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds shared exciting news: the FiPL program will expand nationally and run until March 2029. So far, it has aided over 11,000 farmers across 44 protected landscapes in England, funding over 5,500 projects and forming around 100 farm cluster groups.
The FiPL initiative is part of a larger government plan focusing on sustainable English agriculture. It funds projects aimed at nature recovery, climate change mitigation, and improving public access to nature.
In North Devon and Torridge, farmers are making a real impact. They’ve worked on over 1,000 hectares, creating or restoring 11 ponds, planting more than 2,100 trees, and establishing 115 hectares of wildlife habitat. They’ve also restored 2.6 kilometers of hedgerows and improved public access with new paths and gates. Some innovative projects even use GPS collars for cattle to blend grazing with conservation efforts.
Farmers often collaborate with neighbors and local schools on these projects, creating a sense of community. For the next funding period, the introduction of the Historic Building Restoration Grant allocates funds for restoring farm buildings and improving access to countryside areas.
Dr. Eirene Williams, who leads the FiPL panel in North Devon, expressed relief when the program was extended. She noted that despite the challenges faced by farmers, the program had successfully awarded grants to many projects, demonstrating its popularity and effectiveness.
The long-term support of FiPL means farmers can continue their conservation efforts, aligning local actions with national environmental goals. By funding practical projects, the program helps ensure both sustainable farming and the restoration of biodiversity.
According to a recent survey, 78% of farmers believe that conservation practices are crucial for their future success. This statistic highlights the importance of projects like FiPL in fostering sustainable agriculture.
Overall, the FiPL program is not just a source of funding; it’s a step toward a greener future, benefiting both farmers and the environment.
For more information about the FiPL program, check out the official resources from Defra.
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