Farmers around Chichester Harbour had a welcome boost last week with the announcement that the Farming in Protected Landscapes grant programme will be extended for another three years. The grant scheme supports farmers in enhancing nature recovery, tackling climate change and preserving cultural heritage across England’s 44 National Parks and National Landscapes.
The news was welcomed by local farmers; Andrew Gentle, of Hale Farm said:
“As farmer who is passionately committed to both growing food sustainably and having a positive impact on the environment and land I manage, I am delighted to hear of a three-year extension to the FiPL program. It is a real positive news story in challenging times for farming.”
Andrew went on to say:
“The Farming in Protected Landscapes grant programme so far has had many benefits, including facilitating local farmers to work together to increase biodiversity on our farms. It has given many farmers the opportunity to invest in the latest technology to help them farm in a more efficient and sustainable way, as well as working towards improved water quality. The three-year extension of the programme is great news for farmers and great news for nature.”
Within the Chichester Harbour National Landscape the programme is administered by Chichester Harbour Conservancy. In the four years since it started it has allocated grants for farmers to make a significant difference to nature around Chichester Harbour. Grants have been allocated to 43 individual farmers, and highlights have included:
- 12 hectares of new wildlife rich habitats.
- 12 projects to protect and enhance streams.
- 200 trees planted.
- Eight projects to recover threatened species.
- Over 9000 hectares of improved soil health.
- 1437 metres of new hedgerow planted, increasing wildlife connectivity across the landscape.
- 42 projects to increase the resilience of sustainable farming and reduce nitrate runoff.
The Chair of Chichester Harbour Conservancy, Pieter Montyn said:
“We are extremely proud of the work our local farmers have done though the FiPL grant scheme over the last four years. From reducing fertiliser use, taking steps to improve water quality and use innovative technology and techniques to increase biodiversity on their farms, the programme has been extremely valuable to the long-term nature protection and recovery around Chichester Harbour. It is very welcome news that the Chichester Harbour Conservancy farming team can continue to work for the next three years providing grants to farmers which will have a positive impact on the landscape and wildlife.”
