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Farmers and land managers

Farming in Protected Landscapes

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Farmers and land managers in England's National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) will be given grants to make improvements to the natural environment, cultural heritage and public access on their land – the next step in the government’s landmark plans for a renewed agriculture sector.

The new programme which opened for applications on 1 July 2021 and has been developed by Defra with the support of a group of AONB and National Park staff from across the country, following its announcement as part of the Agricultural Transition Plan.

The programme provides funding for one-off projects which allow farmers and land managers in the Peak District National Park to:

  • support nature recovery - such as increasing habitats to improve biodiversity or greater connectivity between habitats
  • mitigate the impacts of climate change - such as reducing flood risk or storing more carbon
  • provide opportunities for people to discover, enjoy and understand the landscape and its cultural heritage
  • support nature-friendly and sustainable farm businesses.

Projects could include pond or other wetland restoration to support a variety of wildlife; conserving historic features on a farm, such as lime kilns or lead mining heritage; or even action to reduce carbon emissions and carbon management on farms.

The Farming in Protected Landscapes programme is open to all farmers and land managers (including from the private, public and charity sector) in the Peak District National Park - or where activity on the ground can bring benefit to the National Park. It is envisaged that the majority of the funding will be for land in the National Park. It is a programme of funding for one-off projects rather than an agri-environment scheme.

Read the latest case studies.

Supporting documents

Further information

Contact us

You can contact our team of Farm Advisers and Farming in Protected Landscapes Officers by:

Conservation and grants for land management

We help farmers and land managers access national grant schemes by helping you to:

The Farming in Protected Landscapes programme can help with projects that may not be suitable for the national schemes.

Understand regulations and save money

You can contact us for advice on the latest rules and regulations that may apply to your land and farming practice. This may include advice on:

  • Planning
  • Cross compliance
  • Nitrate vulnerable zones and agricultural waste regulations
  • Pollution control
  • Energy, water and waste management

Getting advice

We know that the maze of rules, regulations and grant opportunities for farmers and land managers can be confusing. We offer free advice to help you find and understand what you need. There are a number of ways you can get advice.

Drop-in at the Agricultural Business Centre, Bakewell

Farm Advisers from the Peak District National Park Authority are available every Monday from 10am to 2pm at the Agricultural Business Centre in Bakewell.

You can get advice without an appointment. Before you come to see us, please remember:

  • Bring as much relevant information as possible.
  • During busy times, you may have to wait for an advisor to become available.

Telephone or in person

In addition to Monday's drop-in service in Bakewell, you can contact the team of Farm Advisers at the National Park Authority for advice or longer-term support at any time. For example, we can offer advice on:

  • restoring traditional dry stone walls and hedges
  • managing traditional hay meadows and other species rich grassland
  • moorland management
  • managing and creating woodland and tree planting
  • applying for Countryside Stewardship (higher tier, mid tier, capital grants, woodland support, catchment sensitive farming, facilitation fund).

You can contact us by:

Alternatively, we can come to you at your farm or place of business subject to Government Covid-19 guidance.

Guidance documents

We have produced a range of guidance documents to help you with specific issues, from drystone walling to rabbit-proof fencing.

Useful links

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