FiPL at four: making a difference across protected landscapes

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Payments to support National Parks, National Landscapes and the Broads
A flock of white sheep standing and grazing on open moorland, with rolling hills and sparse shrubs in the background under natural daylight

Now in its fourth year, the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme is helping farmers and land managers in England’s protected landscapes farm more sustainably while restoring nature, heritage and access to the countryside. This post highlights what collaborative working has achieved.

An update on CSHT and our annual report  

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Countryside Stewardship, Farming and Countryside Programme

The Farming and Countryside Programme’s annual report is out, highlighting how funding has helped farmers, foresters, and land managers support nature, sustainable food, and innovation. In addition to this, guidance for Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier applications is available, with the online service opening next week for invited applicants who have completed pre-application advice.

Spending Review 2025: a commitment to farming 

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Farming across the UK
Steve Reed, Environment Secretary, stands outdoors at a livestock show talking with two men. He is in the centre, wearing a brown jacket and light blue shirt, listening. On his left, an older man in a dark coat and black bowler hat gestures while speaking. On his right, a suited man with a red and blue striped tie looks down thoughtfully. Cattle and people are visible in the background.

Following the Spending Review, Defra has secured a multi-year funding commitment from HM Treasury. More than £2.7 billion a year will be invested in sustainable farming and nature recovery from 2026 to 2029. Funding for the Environmental Land Management Schemes paid to farmers will increase by 150% over this time period.

Watch: Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier webinar

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Countryside Stewardship, Webinars

Earlier this month, we hosted a webinar for farmers and land managers in England to learn more about Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) and the pre-application process. In this post, you’ll find a recording of the webinar and a summary of the information in the session, reflecting the questions put to the team.