Three new officers join Lake District farming support scheme

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 06:58 · Archive

Three new farming officers have joined the Lake District National Park Authority to support the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme. Jess Clark and Sam Hallam have been appointed as Farming in Protected Landscapes Officers, while Alice Keenan has become a Farming Officer. The scheme continues to support farmers and land managers across the national park.

Almost £6 million has been invested in projects in the Lake District National Park through the FiPL programme since 2021. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs-funded scheme supports farmers and land managers in protected landscapes, with funding now available until March 2029. Projects supported have included habitat restoration, farm diversification, historic building restoration and investment in equipment designed to support healthier livestock and soils.

The scheme also backs larger collaborative projects that encourage farmers to share knowledge, skills and support. The three new officers bring agricultural experience to their roles. Jess grew up on a Lake District farm and remains involved with her family farm. She studied animal health before completing a postgraduate diploma in veterinary epidemiology and public health.

Jess said that building trust with farmers would be an important part of her role. She emphasised the need to understand farmers' struggles so they feel heard and can discover relevant opportunities. 'We want a FiPL project to work for each individual farm business, because ultimately, they're all different, and to find what will work best for them rather than asking them to change,' she said.

How it is being reported

• £6m farming scheme welcomes three new officers in Lake DistrictThree new farming officers have joined the Lake District National Park Authority as a scheme supporting farmers and land managers continues across the national park.Westmorland Gazette · 16 Oct, 06:00
• £6m farming scheme welcomes three new officers in Lake DistrictThree new farming officers have joined the Lake District National Park Authority as a scheme supporting farmers and land managers continues across the national park.Cumberland News · 16 Oct, 06:00
• £6m farming scheme welcomes three new officers in Lake DistrictThree new farming officers have joined the Lake District National Park Authority as a scheme supporting farmers and land managers continues across the national park.Whitehaven News · 16 Oct, 06:00
• £6m farming scheme welcomes three new officers in Lake DistrictThree new farming officers have joined the Lake District National Park Authority as a scheme supporting farmers and land managers continues across the national park.NW Evening Mail · 16 Oct, 06:00

In this story: Lake District National Park Authority · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs · Jess Clark · Sam Hallam · Alice Keenan · Lake District

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem