There are various sources of grant funding available. Here are some details which may help you identify the most appropriate funding to apply for.
Farming in Protected Landscapes
Farming in Protected Landscapes is a new grant programme for the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty along with all of the National Parks and other National Landscapes in England.
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,
- Support nature-friendly, sustainable farm businesses.
The Kent Downs National Landscape Unit are supporting Kent Downs farmers, land managers and others to find out more about the programme, how it works, and how to make a successful application so please complete the brief ‘Contact Us’ form if you have an idea for a project or would like more information.
Countryside Stewardship (CS)
This provides financial incentives for land managers to look after their environment through activities such as:
- conserving and restoring wildlife habitats
- flood risk management
- woodland creation and management
- reducing widespread water pollution from agriculture
- keeping the character of the countryside
- preserving features important to the history of the rural landscape
- encouraging educational access
The scheme is:
- open to all eligible farmers, woodland owners, foresters and other land managers
- suitable for many types of land use (for example conventional and organic farmland, coastal areas, uplands and woodlands)
- competitive
- scored against local priority targets to maximise environmental benefit
There are three main elements to the scheme – mid tier, higher tier and capital grants. For further information visit https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/countryside-stewardship-get-paid-for-environmental-land-management
Leader
The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) LEADER Programme is a European Union rural funding approach, with grant funds available from late 2015 to December 2019. Funding under Leader is available to rural businesses, farmers, foresters, growers, landowners, environmental organisations, cultural, heritage and community providers, as well as voluntary and charitable organisations to develop projects that will assist, strengthen and develop themselves and their local area. For more information and to apply visit https://www.leaderprogrammekent.org/ or http://www.westkentleader.org.uk/
Kent Countryside Management Partnerships (CMPs)
CMPs play a vital role in the conservation and enhancement of the Kent countryside and coast and making it accessible to all. Working with local communities, landowners and statutory and non statutory bodies, the CMP encourage, advise on and assist with the management of the wider countryside, as well as special sites, landscapes such as the Downs, and species such as water vole.
CMPs can give practical help with projects such as hedge and pond restoration, give talks and presentations, produce literature and information and provide volunteering opportunities. They can help and advise where grants may be available for practical work within the areas they cover. See the CMP wesbite for further details.