Farming in a Nationally Protected Landscape

Welcome to the farmer and landowner hub for the Cornwall National Landscape

Farmer landowner

Explore more in the Farmer landowner hub section here

Cornwall National Landscape consists of 75% farmed land

We are committed to supporting farmers to achieve a sustainable and profitable farm business and deliver outcomes for people, place, nature and climate.

We are working with farmers to identify and understand their natural capital and ecosystem services. We’re also supporting farmers and landowners with increasing biodiversity, sequestering and storing carbon and undertaking natural flood management. All of these are embedded in the aims and objectives of the Cornwall National Landscape (AONB) Management Plan. We’re working alongside farmers and landowners to ensure that these goals for People, Place, Nature & Climate work in harmony with local food and fuel production. Farmers are integral to our cultural heritage and are the architects of the conservation and enhancement of the protected landscape for future generations. Until 2027 the gradual transition from EU-led countryside stewardship schemes to UK government produced, and DEFRA-run, Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes is taking place, and we’re here to support farmers in this process.

The Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme from DEFRA

The Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme (FiPL) is a part of DEFRA’s Agricultural Transition Plan. It has been developed by DEFRA with support and administration by the Protected Landscapes around England. The programme offers grant funding to farmers that are: – supporting nature recovery; – mitigating for the impacts of climate change; – providing opportunities for people to discover, enjoy and understand the landscape and its cultural heritage and; – protecting or improving the quality and character of the landscape and place. FiPL funding has now been extended for an additional three years, running until 31st March 2029.

The Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme from DEFRA

Opportunities

Through the FiPL programme (above) we have developed a range of ongoing projects to benefit farmers across Cornwall. Follow the link below to see the range of projects we’ve funded so far. Projects such as the Herbal Ley Establishment Network (HeLEN) and the Cornwall Farm Resilience Network are welcoming new interest from farmers and landowners.

Opportunities

Partners

The Cornwall National Landscape Partnership works together to understand and communicate how future schemes can be a tool to deliver improved environmental benefits, sensitive access and wellbeing. There are specific partners in Cornwall National Landscape who advise and support within the farming industry. During the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme, we have also funded a number of projects to work with farmers across Cornwall.

Case Studies: Innovative and inspirational farming projects in the protected landscape

From min-till conversions to wildflower meadow matchmaking, farmland bird surveys to peer to peer learning; farmers, land managers and organisations are doing some amazing things to deliver for people, place, nature and climate.

View all case studies

Penpont Farm

In early 2025, Penpont Farm completed a project aimed at improving public access, enhancing opportunities for outdoor education, and strengthening engagement with the Cornwall National Landscape. Supported through the Farming in Protected…

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Cornwall Farmland Bird Project

The Cornwall Farmland Bird Project set out to address the long-term decline of farmland birds by pairing detailed on‑farm bird surveys with practical, bespoke habitat advice. Many farmland species have…

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Regeneration of Treveddoe Farm

Treveddoe Farm, located in Warleggan within Section 12 (Bodmin moor) of Cornwall National Landscape, underwent a remarkable transformation through the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme. Led by farmer Ben…

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Farming & the Future

Sustainable pastoralism brings together nature-friendly farming, regenerative agriculture and conservation into a practical, working model for today’s land managers. It builds on long-standing grazing traditions while restoring soil health, strengthening biodiversity and improving resilience to climate and market change. By managing livestock, grassland, hedgerows and water systems in ways that work with natural processes, farms can remain productive while delivering wider environmental benefits. This approach sits at the heart of Farming & the Future, where we explore how these principles will shape the next chapter for resilient, forward-looking farm businesses.

Farming the Future
Farming & the Future
Farmland – credit Jim Wood

Cornish Hedges & Field Boundaries

Cornish hedges and traditional field boundaries are more than historic features. They are working infrastructure within the farmed landscape. Built from local stone and earth, and often topped with native vegetation, they provide shelter for livestock, protect soils from erosion, manage water flow and create vital wildlife corridors. They also carry deep cultural significance, shaping the distinct character of Cornwall’s countryside. Maintaining and restoring these structures requires skill, training and long-term stewardship. This page explores their role in modern farming and conservation, with links to our Cornish Hedge project and planning guidance to support their protection and proper management.

Read more about Cornish Hedges Invest in Cornish Hedges Cornish Hedge Project
Reducing Climate Change
  • Carbon storage
  • Water absorption
  • Improved air quality
  • Soil retention
  • Evaporation
Role in Nature Recovery
  • Wildlife pathways connecting wildlife rich habitats
  • Pollination services for crops
  • Natural pest control
  • Wildlife food and refuge
  • Seed bank
Role in Farmland Management
  • Shelter
  • Shade
  • Livestock management
  • Forage
  • Barrier to spray drift
  • Natural Pest Control
Natural Flood Management
  • Channelling flood water
  • Reducing soil loss
  • Helping to reduce flood risk to properties
  • Improving water quality
  • Retention of flood water
  • Improving resilience to climate change
Cornish Hedges & Field Boundaries
Kerdroya Plaque on Cornish Hedge – Gemma Wearing

Woodland & Agroforestry

Woodland creation and agroforestry offer practical ways to strengthen farm resilience while enhancing the landscape. Integrating trees into pasture and field systems can provide shelter for livestock, improve soil structure, increase biodiversity and support carbon storage. New planting, when carefully designed, can also diversify farm income through timber, woodfuel or environmental schemes. As climate pressures increase, trees play an important role in water management, shade and long-term adaptation. This introduction links to the Woodland & Agroforestry page, where you can explore guidance, opportunities and local projects in more detail.

Read More About Woodland & Agroforestry
Woodland & Agroforestry
Working woodland

Monitoring & Outcomes

Soil health

75% of monitored fields showing improved soil structure and infiltration rates

Biodiversity

22% increase in recorded pollinator activity on surveyed sites

Land restored

30 hectares of wetland habitat created or reconnected

Trees and agroforestry

210 hectares under new agroforestry systems

People

People

Supporting farmers and land managers. Continued communication to support young farmers and new entrants to help with succession to maintain well skilled land managers in the landscape forms part of our collective approach.

Priority-People
Place

Place

We are supporting farmers and land managers to conserve and enhance the beauty and heritage in the natural environment, and make sure it can be enjoyed, used by and cared for by everyone.

Priority-Place
Nature

Nature

Working with farmers and land managers to increase biodiversity. Delivering nature recovery and growing a resilient network of land, water and sea that is richer in plants and wildlife.

Priority-Nature
Climate

Climate

Working with farmers and land managers to help build resilience against climate change across agriculture, land use and food systems. Supporting natural flood management, Cornish hedges and a regenerative farming approach.

Priority-Climate
142 Projects across Cornwall
2834 Ha improving soil health
12861 Trees planted
37 Projects improving food security

Funding & Engagement

FiPL funding has now been extended for an additional three years, running until 31st March 2029. It is grant-funding for Farmers and Landowners designed to deliver for People, Place, Nature and Climate. This project is funded by Defra and delivered by the Cornwall National Landscape team. FiPL is more than just a funding body, we’re here to support you with practical advice and guidance too. Whether you’re looking for help with Pasture and Profit in a Protected Landscape, establishing Herbal Leys, Cornish hedging advice, Educational Access on Farms, or applying for small grants, our team can provide the expertise and resources you need to make your project a success We also have a range of helpful resources on our Farmer & Landowner Resource page.

What support is available?

– Pasture and Profit in a Protected Landscape – Help with Herbal Leys – Cornish hedging advice – Educational Access on Farms advice – Small grants (September 2024 onwards – tbc)

Talk to us
Funding & Engagement

What people are saying

“
“It has been eye-opening the whole process, I’m glad I have been involved and something I’d recommend a farmer doing if they have the chance. I have looked forward to the meetings and always come away with a nugget of information.”
NEIRF Project
Farmer on the Lizard
“
“The application itself was fairly straightforward. The equipment has been awesome so far, it is really saving time in grazing management. I was able to implement a mob grazing set up straight away and without the kit, I would be spending much more time setting up fences. The mobile water system is perfect, its designed for the job and helps to make the operation feel slick. The kit is making daily moves easy to do and the land is looking great for some rest. Loads of different species have been flowering all summer as the fields have a 60 day rest.”
Ben Thomas
Farmer at Treveddoe.
“
“We’re immensely grateful to Cornwall National Landscape (AONB) for the FiPL grant that’s enabled specialised conservation repairs to a century-old barn with a previously collapsed wall. These improvements have made roosting conditions safer for colonies of rare lesser and greater horseshoe bats ; emergence surveys will soon provide data of the impact on their number.”
Ian Chadwick
Nature Reserves Officer

Our Projects

Farming focussed projects in Cornwall National Landscape

Farming in Protected Landscapes

Farming in Protected Landscapes

Project Description

Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) is a programme providing grant-funding for Farmers and Landowners designed to deliver for People, Place, Nature and Climate. The programme is funded by Defra and delivered by Cornwall National Landscape.

Project Aim

FiPL is helping to address the climate and biodiversity crisis, improve people’s engagement with the landscape, and support sustainable farm businesses and communities.

More details

The Heart of Natural Beauty - Landscape Connections

The Heart of Natural Beauty – Landscape Connections

Project Description

Our aim is to strengthen the living connections between people, place, nature and climate so that Cornwall’s landscapes can thrive for generations to come.

Project Aim

To connect people, place, nature, and climate through digital innovation, amplifying voices and protecting Cornwall’s natural and cultural heritage.

More details

The Bodmin Moor Hill Farming Project

The Bodmin Moor Hill Farming Project

Project Description

The Bodmin Moor Hill Farming Project funded by Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) is designed to support farmers and landowners on Bodmin Moor by…

Project Aim

Inspired by the successful Dartmoor Hill Farm Project, we aim to create a similar support structure tailored to Bodmin Moor, focusing on resilience, collaboration, and practical solutions.

More details

Farming for the Nation - Test Trial

Farming for the Nation – Test Trial

Project Description

How ELM can use a fuller understanding of natural capital and ecosystem services to provide a step change for the biodiversity and heritage of the Lizard Peninsula whilst also delivering wider multiple benefits for local communities.

Project Aim

Examine how objectives can be set for the provision of public goods in a rural farming landscape whilst also demonstrating how farmers can work collaboratively to deliver the objectives of ELMs.

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Bodmin Moor Peatland Partnership

Bodmin Moor Peatland Partnership

Project Description

Bodmin Moor is our largest Section and forms one of the South West’s iconic peat moors that is not only a haven for wildlife but also provides us with fresh water and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by acting as a store for carbon.

Project Aim

South West Water will work with regional and local organisations, including the Cornwall AONB, to restore 1,680 hectares of damaged peatland on Bodmin Moor, Dartmoor and Exmoor.

More details