An exciting and innovative source of funding and advice is available to landowners and land managers within England’s Protected Landscapes (National Parks & Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
The programme, developed by Defra as part of the Agricultural Transition Plan, is delivered locally through the Norfolk Coast Partnership and Broads Authority, to support farmers and land managers in carrying out projects that; support the natural environment, mitigate the impacts of climate change, provide public access opportunities, support nature-friendly businesses, or conserve/ enhance historic or landscape features.
The grant scheme which provides funding towards a wide range of projects can offer grants of between £2000 and £50,000 for one-off projects that are not already funded by an agri-environment scheme. (Carrying out a project through this programme will not affect your ability to enter the new environmental land management schemes).
Some exciting projects that we have already supported include creating and restoring freshwater marsh on Holkham National Nature Reserve as part of a wider project covering several kilometres of habitat between National Trust land at Cley, and Wild Kenhill close to Snettisham.
We have funded innovative farm machinery that can be used between adjoining farms to spread the benefits for Climate and Nature and funded a new base for conservation volunteers at Deepdale Farm. FiPL has also funded the dredging of Cley Harbour to improve access, increase opportunities for people to explore, enjoy and understand the landscape, and make the landscape more resilient to climate change.
We would welcome enquiries and applicants wanting to undertake projects that would benefit Climate, Nature, People and Place, and are able to discuss project ideas with you before an application is made.
We are coming to an end of the Programme for 2023-24 but have now secured funding for 2024-25! Anyone wanting to find out more can find it on our projects page or contact our Farming in Protected Landscapes Advisor on aonb@norfolk.gov.uk.
