Quick answer
Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) funds farmer- and land-manager-led projects in or near England's National Parks and National Landscapes (formerly AONBs), supporting nature, climate, people and place outcomes. Projects can include capital, revenue and one-off activities. Applications are made via the relevant National Park or National Landscape body, not directly to Defra.
Advisor summary
Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) is a Defra programme delivered by National Park Authorities and AONB teams in England. It funds projects led by farmers and land managers within or adjacent to Protected Landscapes that deliver climate, nature, people and place outcomes. Funding is decided locally against four published themes.
Who this is for
Farmers, land managers, foresters and partnerships operating within or adjacent to a National Park or National Landscape (formerly AONB) in England.
Frequently asked questions
Who runs FiPL?
Defra, delivered by National Park Authorities and National Landscape (AONB) teams in England.
Is FiPL available outside England?
No — devolved nations have their own protected landscape programmes.
Can non-farmers apply?
Land managers and partnerships including community groups can apply for relevant projects.
How long does the scheme run?
Defra publishes the current programme end date — confirm with your local FiPL team.
Can projects span multiple years?
Yes, within the programme period and subject to local budget.
Are capital and revenue costs covered?
Yes, depending on the project and local rules.
Is there a maximum grant?
Local teams set indicative thresholds — engage early.
Can FiPL combine with SFI?
Yes, provided no double-funding for the same activity.
How is subsidy control handled?
Each award is structured to comply with UK subsidy control.
Where is official guidance?
GOV.UK Farming in Protected Landscapes guidance and your local Protected Landscape body.
Read end-to-end by a FundingAtlas editor against the official source.
Funding amount
Varies
Region
England
Stage
Any stage
Provider
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
Advisor summary
Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) is a Defra programme delivered by National Park Authorities and AONB teams in England. It funds projects led by farmers and land managers within or adjacent to Protected Landscapes that deliver climate, nature, people and place outcomes. Funding is decided locally against four published themes.
Key takeaways
- Local administration
- Four outcomes
- Project-based
- Flexible eligible costs
Who this is for
Farmers, land managers, foresters and partnerships operating within or adjacent to a National Park or National Landscape (formerly AONB) in England.
Real-world use cases
Hedgerow restoration
Visitor access
Heritage feature
What to prepare before applying
- 1
Engage local team
- 2
Map to outcomes
- 3
Costs and timeline
- 4
Subsidy control
Common mistakes
Ongoing-cost requests
Late engagement
Outcome misalignment
Common rejection reasons
Out-of-area
Outcome weakness
Budget exhaustion
Alternative funding routes
Sustainable Farming Incentive
Farming Equipment and Technology Fund
Farming Innovation Programme
Typical funding journey
- 1
Engagement
- 2
Expression of interest
- 3
Full application
- 4
Delivery
Advisor view
This sits inside the post-CAP English farming support framework. The right scheme depends on land type, tenancy and farm system — and the rules shift annually.
Usually too early when
Advisor signal
You have no eligible land or holding, no business plan tied to the chosen actions, or you have not checked interactions with existing schemes.
Eligibility
Farmers and land managers in or adjacent to a participating National Park or National Landscape in England, with a project meeting the four FiPL outcomes.
Common reasons applications fail
Ineligible land, double-funding with another scheme, weak record-keeping, missing inspection or evidence requirements.
What improves your odds
A clear farm plan, an up-to-date land parcel and holding register, and an adviser familiar with the current handbook and RPA process.
Typical successful applicant
An English farmer, grower or land manager with eligible land, an active business and operational capacity to deliver chosen actions.
Common misconceptions
It is not the same as the old BPS — payments follow action, not hectare. Mistakes around stacking with other schemes lead to clawback.
What comes next
Build the record-keeping discipline before the agreement starts; RPA evidence requirements drive most of the operational burden.
Funding context
Sits alongside Countryside Stewardship, FiPL, capital grants and private-sector environmental markets.
Eligibility Quick Check
A cautious, rules-based check using only the criteria already published for this programme. Not a guarantee — always verify against the official source.
Frequently asked questions
- Who runs FiPL?
- Defra, delivered by National Park Authorities and National Landscape (AONB) teams in England.
- Is FiPL available outside England?
- No — devolved nations have their own protected landscape programmes.
- Can non-farmers apply?
- Land managers and partnerships including community groups can apply for relevant projects.
- How long does the scheme run?
- Defra publishes the current programme end date — confirm with your local FiPL team.
- Can projects span multiple years?
- Yes, within the programme period and subject to local budget.
- Are capital and revenue costs covered?
- Yes, depending on the project and local rules.
- Is there a maximum grant?
- Local teams set indicative thresholds — engage early.
- Can FiPL combine with SFI?
- Yes, provided no double-funding for the same activity.
- How is subsidy control handled?
- Each award is structured to comply with UK subsidy control.
- Where is official guidance?
- GOV.UK Farming in Protected Landscapes guidance and your local Protected Landscape body.
Related routes
Industries
Regions
Current-guidance warning
This programme operates on round-based or annually refreshed criteria. Always confirm live eligibility, caps and deadlines on the official source before applying.