22 July 2025

The Defra-funded Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) Programme has been extended until March 2026, offering a valuable opportunity for local farmers and land managers to secure funding for projects that will benefit the Lake District National Park. The scheme is administered locally by the Lake District National Park Authority, a founding member of the Love Windermere Partnership.

This year, there is a particular focus on supporting farm-based projects that deliver improvements in water quality, slow the flow of water through the catchment and reduce sediment and nutrient runoff into the rivers and becks – all of which are vital for improving the conditions of Windermere and its catchment.

Claire Foster, LDNPA Farming Officer, said:

“We’re pleased to continue to deliver the FiPL scheme for 2025/26 and look forward to continuing to support farmers and land managers as they deliver projects which support people, place, climate and nature across the Lake District National Park.”

Over the past four years, FiPL funding has helped bring to life a wide range of on-farm improvements, including wetland creation, farm cluster collaborations, soil health initiatives, and education projects that connect communities and visitors with farming heritage and nature.

This year, the Love Windermere Partnership strongly encourage eligible land managers within the Windermere catchment to consider FiPL funding for practical actions that align with our shared goals.

All projects must be relevant to at least one of the Defra FiPL themes of nature, climate, people & place – for more details on the FiPL themes and funding criteria, see: Get funding for farming in protected landscapes – GOV.UK.

Alice Collier, LDNPA Lead Strategy Adviser – Land Management, said

“We’re keen to support farmers and land managers to explore and deliver opportunities on their land that can support improved water quality whilst benefitting farming operations, helping them to be at the forefront of climate adaptation.”

If you’re a farmer or landowner within the Windemere catchment and considering a potential project, now is the time to act. Projects must be fully delivered and paid for by 31 March 2026.

For full details on the funding criteria and how to apply in the Lake District, visit: https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/caringfor/farming/farming-in-protected-landscapes.