The Solway Coast is a farmed landscape which reflects traditional farming practices and more recent changes brought about by innovation and a response to agricultural policies brought forward to improve food productivity.
Its climate is influenced by prevailing south-westerly winds which bring a regular supply of rainfall, which, when combined with fertile soils, is ideal for grass growth –meaning that livestock farming is the predominant agricultural activity either through dairy, beef or sheep production. Some land is farmed for cereal production, often used as a feed for livestock.
Farming is vital, not just for the production of food and food security, but also for the management of the land to successfully conserve and enhance the environment in our protected landscape. A thriving agricultural sector leads to a viable rural economy and flourishing local communities.
Agricultural policy is encouraging farmers and land managers to move their businesses towards more environmentally friendly farming practices and the Environmental Land Management Schemes (ELMS) offer funding for the promotion of sustainable farming techniques and innovation.
The Solway Coast National Landscape Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme offers grants to farmers and land managers for one-off projects which fit around the outcomes of climate, nature, people and place.
Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL)
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 millions of people every year. By supporting the farmers, land managers and people who live and work in these areas, we can help protect these exceptional places and support local communities.
To help do this, Defra has introduced the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme, which will run from July 2021 to March 2029.
Through the programme, farmers and land managers can 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. This is a programme of funding for one-off projects covering these areas of work, not an agri-environment scheme.
The programme is part of Defra’s Agricultural Transition Plan. It has been developed by Defra with the support of a group of National Landscape and National Park staff from across the country.
Follow the links below to find out more about Farming in Protected Landscapes Fund
Download this document to see examples of projects funded nationally through the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme.