A GOVERNMENT programme to help land managers on Exmoor fund one-off projects which support National Park purposes has been extended for another year.

The Farming in Protected Landscapes (FIPL) scheme will be administered by Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA) until March, 2026.

Nearly £2.4 million of FiLP support has been given since 2021 across 172 Exmoor projects.

FiLP team member Vickie Sellick said: “We are inviting anybody who manages land and has a great project idea to get in contact.

Exmoor Game School has been helped by funding from the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FIPL) scheme to run educational programmes for children.
Exmoor Game School has been helped by funding from the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FIPL) scheme to run educational programmes for children. ( )

“Our officers are farmers themselves, we understand the unique challenges they face, but also the potential opportunities on Exmoor for land managers.

“We work with landowners and organisations like the Exmoor Hill Farming Network and Natural England to facilitate projects, provide expert advice, and ensure money is spent where it matters most.”

Cattle and sheep farmer Mark Broadwith, of Great Nurcott Farm, said: “Wood pasture provides a rich habitat for wildlife, but it is expensive to establish.

“With the national park’s support, FiPL funding helped me to make a flying start with a Cactus guard trial.

Lambing time at Exmoor Farm School is experienced by schoolchildren thanks to FiLP funding.
Lambing time at Exmoor Farm School is experienced by schoolchildren thanks to FiLP funding. ( )

“Wood pasture is a semi-permanent low maintenance solution for steep ground that is difficult or impossible to work, yields badly, and suffers gorse and bracken encroachment.

“Cattle and sheep can take up to 50 per cent of their daily intake as they browse if it is freely available.

“Tree and shrub leaves have high protein content, and a usefully different nutrient profile to that of grass.

“Other substantial benefits of wood pasture come through the autumn leaf drop which helps build soil organic matter content, improvements to soil hydration, and a substantial enhancement of ecosystem function.”

Serena Colwill, of Farm School Exmoor, said: “FiPL funding and support from ENPA has allowed us to work toward our mission to teach as many children and adults as possible the links between farming, conservation, and food production, using our Exmoor farm as a classroom.

“The financial support has enabled us to invite more groups onto the farm as well as contribute to equipment and facilities to enhance accessibility and the safety of our visitors.

“To date, we are working with 17 schools and 18 different organisations who are delighted with the equipment aimed toward the size and ability of the children, our accessible facilities, and the fact children get to experience farm life on a working farm.”

Exmoor Game School’s Darren Sherwood said: “We run a range of educational programmes, designed to break down the barriers between people and their food.

“Our butchery courses allow individuals to get hands on with their food in a way that might sound daunting to some, but it is an incredibly empowering process.

“Not only do participants learn practical skills, but it fosters a new level of respect for the animals they eat and a greater understanding of the natural cycles that sustain us.

“This gives children the invaluable opportunity to visit working farms, learn about the link between game meat and farmed meat, and hear directly from farmers about their work.”