£360,000 in grants boost North Devon and Torridge landscapes

Farmers and landowners across North Devon and Torridge have received over £360,000 in grants to support a range of environmental and community projects. 

The funding, delivered through the Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme (FiPL), is aimed at improving local landscapes, enhancing wildlife habitats, and increasing access to the coast and countryside.

Managed by the North Devon Coast National Landscape Team on behalf of Defra, the FiPL programme has funded 41 projects in the region over the past three years. 

The grants have supported tree planting, wildlife habitat creation, and practical measures to reduce flood risks. 

In total, more than 1,600 trees have been planted as part of these efforts. Additionally, three new public paths have been created in Abbotsham, Berrynarbor, and Combe Martin, with 15 existing paths also improved to provide better access for both locals and visitors.

The funding has also supported restoration projects, including the refurbishment of a lime kiln in Combe Martin and the installation of new interpretation boards to explain ongoing projects to visitors.

Joe Newberry, National Landscape Officer, explained the impact of the programme: “This programme has helped the team to meet and work with over 90 farmers and land managers from across the National Landscape. The ambition is to address some of the top priorities for the nation in these outstanding landscapes, as the following examples show.”

At North Hole Farm, the grant has funded measures to improve water quality and reduce flooding in the Crydda stream, which flows into Croyde beach. 

The project includes the construction of leaky dams and an "offline pond" to slow water flow during heavy rain, while also encouraging it to spread into the floodplain. Livestock have been fenced out of the stream, with solar-powered water pumps and new troughs providing an alternative drinking source. 

Additionally, tree planting and reduced grazing along the stream banks will help support local wildlife.

On Bursdon Moor, funding is supporting the removal of scrub and improvements to fencing on the Site of Special Scientific Interest. 

This will enable the Bursdon Moor Commoners Association to reintroduce grazing, supporting better management of the area’s wildlife-rich grassland habitat.

The FiPL programme continues to support one-off projects that benefit the North Devon and Torridge coast, as well as the local communities. 

Farmers and land managers with project ideas are encouraged to contact Joe Newberry at joe.newberry@devon.gov.uk.