By Frank Smith, Managing Partner of Frank Smith & Co Solicitors, agricultural specialists  

The Farming in Protected Landscapes funding developed by DEFRA has been extended until March 2025. The funding provides support for innovative and transformational projects which will help landowners diversify their revenue streams and deliver value to the local community and environment. Farmers and landowners who own land in an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB), the Broads, National Parks or Common land can apply for a share of the £4.4 Million funding. This includes community applications for common land and joint applications between landowners and charities or groups.  

A project submission must provide value for money and meet at least one of the following outcomes: climate, nature, people, or place. Examples include habitat enhancement, carbon sequestering, flood prevention, promotion of public engagement in land management, or preserving historical structures.  More details can be found on the Gov.uk website.  

The project application must also be aligned to the protected landscapes body’s management plan and applicants are encouraged to engage in consultations and site visits from the Protect Spaces team to provide guidance ahead of applying.  

To apply, landowners must manage the land included in the application and have control of all the activities within the proposal. Where landowners do not meet that criteria, written consent from all parties who manage and control the land is required. This is particularly important for communal land applications. Farmers and landowners can apply up until 2025, but all projects must end by March 2025. 

Applications over £5,000 are judged by a local assessment panel who typically meet every six to eight -weeks. Applications below £5,000 are reviewed by a senior member of the protected spaces team who was not involved in the application submission.  

Projects generating no financial gain to the landowner can receive up to 100% funding. If the landowner benefits commercially, the funding allocation reflect the amount the project generates for the landowner.  

The project is designed to coexist with existing agri-environmental schemes. Funding can only be claimed through one scheme, you cannot be paid twice for the same work. Where the project activity is listed in the Country Stewardship (CS) Scheme, you will be paid at the CS rate. If you are not part of the CS scheme, the protected landscape team will offer funding on the estimated costs.  

After the programme ends you must maintain capital infrastructure (fences, gates etc) for five years following project completion and machinery assets five years from purchase date.  

By following this application criteria and steps for submission landlords will increase their chances of securing the funding they need before the new two-year deadline, helping to drive further innovation and transformation in farming.  

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