Spring 2026 – FiPL open for applications
The Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme seeks to provide investment in protected landscapes to help deliver outcomes for the environment, people and place by working in partnership with farmers.
DEFRA have confirmed that the FiPL programme has been extended to March 2029. We are now inviting expressions of interest for projects. See below for how to apply and documents to download.
It is open to all farmers and land managers (including from the private, public and charity sectors) in the North Wessex Downs National Landscape or where activity on the ground can bring benefit to the National Landscape. Other organisations and individuals can apply as long as they do this in collaboration with a farmer or land manager, or in support of a farmer or group of farmers.
You can see the boundary of the National Landscape (designated AONB) by visiting the MAGIC mapping website. Click on ‘designations’, ‘land-based designations’ and then ‘Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty England.’
We also run events for farmers – keep an eye on this page for details.
Explore the boundary of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The programme will run from July 2021 to March 2029 and will be delivered by farmers and land managers in partnership with the North Wessex Downs National Landscape on farmed or managed land. Funding will support groups and individuals proposing projects and approved by the FiPL Officer or Local Assessment Panel.
FiPL in the North Wessex Downs 2021-29
Of each allocation a proportion may be spent on Admin, and Advice and Guidance.
- Our overall allocation for FY 22/23 was: £691,979
- Our overall allocation for FY 23/24 was: £1,029,835
- Our overall allocation for FY 24/25 was: £1,354,098
- Our overall allocation for FY 25/26 was: £1,029,835
- Our overall allocation for FY 26/27 is: £1,029,835
Before you apply:
- Review the information on these pages and in the Guidance to Applicants document (see Downloads below), and read some of our Case Studies and Review publication for ideas.
- Contact the Farming in Protected Landscapes Officer (email Jemima Sellwood) for advice on the programme – to discuss your ideas, the intervention rates and requirements for your particular project. OR submit an initial Enquiry Form (see Downloads below) to the FiPL Officer.
How you apply
Download an Application Form and Costings Spreadsheet (see below) and submit to the office. Meetings are roughly every 6 weeks. Closing dates:
21st May 2026
2nd July 2026
3rd September 2026
22nd October 2026
Once you have applied
You should expect to hear back from your FiPL team within 10 working days of your application being submitted.
FiPL Four Year Review 2021-25
Read our new review of the FiPL programme in North Wessex Downs here. We have funded 180 projects over the last four years, from ponds to farmer groups to composters. Read about our many exciting projects across the landscape and get in touch to discuss any of them or your own ideas.
Farming in Protected Landscapes - More Information
Downloads
FiPL Enquiry Form
Form to submit to FiPL@northwessexdowns.org.uk to express interest
FiPL-enquiry-form- April 2025.pdfAnnex A - FiPL financial information
Excel Spreadsheet for project costs 2026-2029
Annex A - Project Costs
NWD Guidance for Applicants
Detailed local guidance for applicants, relating to North Wessex Downs priorities
Full DEFRA Guidance to Applicants - FiPL
Guidance for applicants to Farming in Protected Landscapes produced by DEFRA.
DEFRA-Guidance-to-Applicants-FiPL-March 2026.pdf
FiPL Four Year Review 2021-2025
North Wessex Downs Farming in Protected Landscapes Review - case studies and figures for 2021-2025
NWD FiPL Review 2021-25Further Enquiries
For all enquiries contact our Farming in Protected Landscapes Officer at Jemima Sellwood
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