FARMERS and land managers in England’s national parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) will be given grants to make improvements to the natural environment, cultural heritage and public access.

The three-year programme - Farming in Protected Landscapes - will be open to farmers and land managers to support nature recovery, mitigate the effects of climate change and provide ways for people to discover, enjoy and understand the landscape.

For Northumberland, the funding available for projects in the first year comprises:

• North Pennines AONB – £1,150,000

• Northumberland Coast AONB - £160,000

• Northumberland National Park - £395,000

National parks and AONBs are living, working landscapes that support communities and businesses, but are also home to a range of habitats and species. They are enjoyed by millions of visitors and residents each year.

The programme will provide funding for one-off projects which allow farmers and land managers in protected landscapes to:

• support nature recovery – such as increasing habitats to improve biodiversity or greater connectivity between habitats

• mitigate the impacts of climate change – such as reducing flood risk or storing more carbon

• provide opportunities for people to discover, enjoy and understand the landscape and its cultural heritage

• support nature-friendly and sustainable farm businesses

Projects will be assessed by a local panel to ensure they provide value for money, a legacy from the work and meet, at least, one of the scheme’s outcomes for people, nature, climate or place. Projects should also meet, at least, one of the aims of the Management Plan for the relevant national park or AONB.

The programme will run from 2021 to 2024 and proposals are invited from July 1 2021.