The Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme forms part of DEFRA’s national Agricultural Transition, but is delivered locally. This means we must meet both DEFRA’s national priorities and our own local priorities.
Below you’ll find more detail on how a project may deliver both our local priorities here in Cornwall, and DEFRAs wider National priorities. In addition, you’ll find guidance documents for applicants (both local and national).
If you feel ready, you can submit your project ideas to us by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) form. We aim to review expressions of interest within 4 weeks, but this may longer in peak times.
DEFRA's Priorities
People
PE1: There are more opportunities for people to explore, enjoy and understand the landscape
PE2: There are increased opportunities for more diverse audiences to explore, enjoy and understand the landscape
PE3: There is greater public engagement in land management, for example through volunteering
Place*
PL1: The quality and character of the landscape is reinforced or enhanced
PL2: Historic structures and features are conserved, enhanced or interpreted more effectively.
PL3: There is an increase in the resilience of nature friendly, sustainable farm businesses, which in turn contributes to a more thriving local economy
* FiPL cannot fund outcomes that fall under ‘place’ solely on their own. A project must also deliver for either People, Nature or Climate too.
Nature
N1: There is greater area of wildlife rich habitat
N2: There is greater connectivity between habitats
N3: Existing habitats are better managed for biodiversity
N4: There is an increase in biodiversity
Climate
C1: More carbon is stored and/or sequestered
C2: Flood risk has been reduced
C3: Better understanding among farmers, land managers and the public as to what different habitats and land uses can deliver for carbon storage and reduced carbon emissions
C4: The landscape is more resilient to climate change
Local Priorities
Our local priorities are summarised below into 4 clear areas of interest. You can find our full FiPL Strategy below. The examples that are given, are only there to spark ideas – we welcome other project ideas that you may have!
Habitat and Landscape Restoration
For example, projects looking to undertake peatland restoration, or improve water quality at a catchment level. We would welcome projects from whole commons working together collaboratively and we would welcome projects from farming clusters
Agroecological Farming
For example, projects looking to reduce reliance on inputs (feeds, fuels, fertilisers) and those looking to reduce reliance on wormers. We’re looking for those with innovative farming ideas that they’d like support in trialling, such as tree forage for livestock.
Biodiversity & Species Recovery
For example, projects looking to create habitats for species that are at risk. Species could include; curlew, marsh fritillary butterfly, silver studded blue butterflies or native Cornish Black Bees. There is a list of priority species for Cornwall found here. Alternatively, projects seeking to increase the overall abundance of wildlife on their land – for example increasing the number of farmland birds, or invertebrate populations.
People, Community & Skills
For example, projects looking to improve health and wellbeing through growing produce. We’d like projects to encourage the next generation of farmers and welcome ideas around education or from Cornwall Young Farmers associations. We’d also love to develop more farmer-to-farmer mentoring and knowledge exchanges.
Is my land within Cornwall National Landscape?
If you’re unsure whether or not your land is within the boundaries of one of the sections of Cornwall National Landscape, the button below will take you to MagicMap. The red sections of the map are the boundaries of the National Landscape sections. Please note that those sections immediately North and South of Saltash are Tamar Valley National Landscape rather than Cornwall.