Somerset's nature-friendly projects to receive new funding

In the Mendip Hills, the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme has been extended until March 2029, giving landowners more time to deliver schemes that enhance biodiversity, restore nature, and engage communities.

The Mendip Hills National Landscape Team will be able to allocate around £270,000 each year.

Andy Wear, chair of the FiPL local assessment panel, said: "We're delighted that Defra has renewed FiPL funding for another three years.

"It makes a real difference to farmers as the funding sits outside normal Defra streams with more flexibility and freedom to deliver what they want."

Mr Wear said the extension allows for longer-term planning and greater impact.

He said: "It enables the panel to continue supporting projects that benefit this beautiful area and make a real difference for nature and people.

"With three years of funding, we will be able to look further ahead and plan projects that will have an even bigger impact."

FiPL is a grants programme supporting projects that enhance protected landscapes, with a focus on climate, nature, and people.

It has already delivered significant results nationally, with 11,000 farmers involved in 5,500 projects since 2021.

Across the Mendip Hills, £1.4m has been invested so far, contributing to more than 12 kilometres of new or restored hedgerows, 38 new or restored ponds, over 1.5km of drystone walls restored, 15km of new or improved paths, and 704 hectares of wildlife-rich habitat managed for biodiversity.

The Mendip projects are guided by a local decision panel, made up of farmers and land managers, wildlife and access specialists and partners from Natural England and the Somerset Wildlife Trust.

The panel ensures projects provide value for money, fulfil the grant’s outcomes, and align with the goals set in the Nature Recovery Plan for the Mendip Hills.

The National Landscape Team’s FiPL officer offers tailored support throughout the application process and can visit farms before an application is made.

Funded projects have included hedge laying, tree planting, pond creation, meadow restoration, educational events, and improved access to the countryside.

FiPL can also support larger, ambitious projects like the Hazel Dormouse project, a multi-year initiative led by Somerset Wildlife Trust connecting dormouse habitats in strategic locations across the Mendip Hills.

The team encourages new ideas and is open to enquiries from anyone interested in applying.

To discuss a project or begin an application, email FiPL@mendiphills-nl.org.uk.