Steph Emmerson (FCG WhiteAvon)

As someone based in the Cotswolds, the extension of the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme for a further three years is a hugely positive step for our area.  While this funding will benefit all protected landscapes across England, it presents a particularly valuable opportunity for farmers and land managers here in the Cotswolds National Landscape.

The programme, which has £30 million of funding confirmed nationally for the year ahead, is built around partnerships.  It brings farmers, the Cotswolds National Landscape team and local communities together to deliver projects that would be difficult to achieve on individual holdings alone.

Over the last few years, we (within FCG) have seen real success from FiPL projects in the Cotswolds.  These have ranged from improving grassland management and restoring hedgerows and dry-stone walls, to supporting water management, access and heritage features.  Crucially, many of these projects have not only delivered environmental gains but have also strengthened farm businesses, improving efficiency, resilience and long-term sustainability.

Since launching four years ago, FiPL has supported over 11,000 farmers across 44 protected landscapes, funding more than 5,500 projects and helped to establish around 100 farm clusters.  Locally, this collaborative approach has proven its value, showing what can be achieved when farmers work together with shared objectives.

The continuation of FiPL forms part of the government’s wider Environmental Improvement Plan, published in December, but on the ground its impact is very tangible.  For Cotswolds farmers, the extension provides welcome certainty and further opportunities to invest in projects that work for both the landscape and the business.

If you have a project idea or would like to discuss what might be possible under FiPL, please do get in touch with me.  I’d be very happy to talk through options and help explore how the scheme could work for your farm.

Contact Steph at stephemmerson@fcgagric.com or your local FCG Office to discuss further.