PRESS RELEASE

Friday 09 May 2025


Another successful year for Farming in Protected Landscapes on Exmoor


View as Webpage

Exmoor National Park Authority are delighted to announce another successful year of Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) funding for projects across Exmoor.


The programme was started in July 2021, and initially envisaged as a three-year funding window to help support farmers throughout the agricultural transition following Brexit. However, the success of the programme across all protected landscapes in England (National Parks and National Landscapes – formerly known as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty) meant the funding was extended, with the most money allocated per landscape in the fourth year of the programme.


Vickie Sellick, FIPL Coordinator for Exmoor National Park Authority explains:


“For ENPA that was over £720,000 for delivery of projects that resulted in one or more of the 14 FiPL outcomes over the 4 FiPL themes of Climate, Nature, People and Place. Throughout the year Defra gave us opportunities to request more money for particular types of projects, including Historic Buildings and Public Access. We were able to successfully bid for an additional £485,000 bringing our total allocation to £1.2 million.


What's been delivered this year on Exmoor through FIPL funding?


·      5 historic buildings restored

·      130 educational visits to holdings on Exmoor

·      2 ponds restored

·      7 community organisations supported

·      1905 trees planted

·      753m of leat restoration


Vickie continues:

"We’ve been able to support pond restoration, orchard creation, hedge laying and fencing, improvements to farm yards, community groups and community supported agriculture, meadow restoration, non-native invasive species control, access improvements, conserve and enhance landscape character through management of characteristic features like leats, historic building restoration, tree planting and many more projects, delivering on the ground improvements in nature and biodiversity, soil health, climate mitigation, engagement with volunteers, school children and improvements in the unique landscape character of Exmoor. We are thrilled that Defra have again extended the programme, meaning we can deliver another year of funding to benefit the environment, landscape and people of Exmoor.”


If you have a project idea that you think we might be able to help support, please visit our website for details of the programme or get in touch via our inbox

conservation@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk


More info here:

www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/nature-and-landscape/nature-recovery/information-for-farmers-and-land-managers/farming-in-protected-landscapes

About Exmoor National Park Authority

First designated in 1954, Exmoor National Park has an amazing variety of landscapes within its 267 square miles – stunning coast, moorland, woodland, valleys and farmland and more than 800 miles of rights of way to enjoy. It is one of 15 National Parks in the United Kingdom and in 2011 was designated Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve.

Exmoor National Park Authority works in partnership with the community, local councils, businesses and other organisations to look after the National Park and promote its conservation and enjoyment. Donations to CareMoor for Exmoor are gratefully received towards the upkeep of the National Park and its special qualities.

www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk

Facebook  X  Instagram