Farming in Protected Landscapes

Protected Landscapes – our National Parks and National Landscapes – are special and unique places. They are living, working landscapes that also support a huge range of habitats and species, and they are enjoyed by many people every year.

Defra’s Farming in Protected Landscapes programme will run until March 2026, and is open to all farmers and land managers within Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape. Through the programme, farmers and land managers will be supported to carry out projects that support nature recovery, mitigate the impacts of climate change, provide opportunities for people to discover, enjoy and understand the landscape and cultural heritage, or support nature-friendly, sustainable farm businesses.

The funding programme is part of Defra’s Agricultural Transition Plan. It has been developed by Defra with the support of National Landscape and National Park staff from across the country and will be delivered locally by protected landscape teams.

Applications for the 2025/2026 award must be received by the 31st of January 2026. It is essential that applicants discuss their application with the Farming in Protected Landscapes Officers in the National Landscape team before applying and at six weeks prior to the deadline. We are inviting applications for grants of between £2,500 and £50,000 per year.

Farming in Protected Landscapes funding cannot be used for projects that are already receiving funding from other schemes (e.g. Countryside Stewardship, LEADER), or for works that you have an existing legal duty to undertake. Should your project receive Farming in Protected Landscapes funding and subsequently be found to be ineligible for these reasons, the monies received must be immediately returned to Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape. Grants will be administered through the host local authority Lancaster City Council.

Further information can be found on the Defra website.

If you’d like to register your interest in applying, e-mail farming@arnside-silverdale.org.uk or call us on 01524 761034.