Farming in Protected Landscapes

St Brendon's Church, Brendon

On Exmoor we are delivering Defra’s Farming in Protected Landscapes programme. It is open to all farmers and land managers within a National Park or National Landscape in England as part of the Government’s Agricultural Transitional Plan, which sets out how Defra’s support for farmers and land managers is changing over the next few years.

What the programme will pay for

Farming in Protected Landscapes is a programme of funding for one-off projects, not an ongoing agri-environment scheme. It will support farmers and land managers to carry out projects that:

  • support nature
  • mitigate the impacts of climate change
  • provide opportunities for people to discover, enjoy and understand the landscape and its cultural heritage
  • support nature-friendly, sustainable farm businesses

For example, the programme might support:

  • promoting connectivity between habitats
  • replacing stiles with gates on public footpaths, to promote easier access
  • conserving historic features on a farm, such as lime kilns or mining heritage
  • supporting a locally branded food initiative that promotes the links between the product and the landscape in which it is produced
  • action to reduce carbon emissions on a farm
  • gathering data and evidence to help inform conservation and farming practice

To see the projects that we have funded so far please see our Transparency of Funding documents

Year 1  Transparency of Funding

Year 2 Transparency of Funding

Year 3 Transparency of Funding

To demonstrate what the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme has delivered nationally, National Parks England have produced a publication including case studies from projects funded across England.

Year 1 programme  achievements here

Year 2 programme achievements here

How to apply

You can contact us about applications by emailing conservation@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk.

We have just entered the final year of the programme, so all projects must end by March 2025.

To apply please complete the Application form and return to us via email to

conservation@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk

or by post to Farming in Protected Landscapes Team, Exmoor National Park Authority, Exmoor House, Dulverton, Somerset, TA22 9HL.

If you would like us to help advise you prior to completing an application please email conservation@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk

Find out more

Guidance for Applicants

Data Protection Privacy Notice (FiPL)

Future Farming (blog.gov.uk)

Exmoor Management Plan Priorities

CS Payment and intervention Rates 2023

Explore Case Studies Below

Wood pasture at Great Nurcott Farm
Wood pasture is acknowledged by ecologists as being a diverse and rich habitat for wildlife, Cattle and sheep farmer Mark from Great Nurcott Farm near Winsford explains why it can be a boost to food production, rather than a compromise.
View more