The Lake District National Park Authority has announced the appointment of three new members to its Farming Team: Jess Clark as Farming in Protected Landscapes Officer, Sam Hallam as Farming in Protected Landscapes Officer, and Alice Keenan as Farming Officer. These appointments bolster the team dedicated to supporting farmers and land managers within the protected landscape.
The Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme, funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), provides financial support for projects that benefit nature, climate, people, and place within protected landscapes like the Lake District. Funded projects have included habitat restoration, farm diversification, historic building repairs, and investments in tools for healthier livestock and soils. The programme also encourages landscape-scale projects promoting farmer collaboration.
Since 2021, nearly £6 million has been invested in the Lake District National Park through the FiPL programme. With funding available until March 2029, the newly expanded Farming Team is ready to engage with farmers and land managers. Further details on FiPL, application processes, and case studies are available on the National Park's webpage.
The new officers, Jess Clark, Sam Hallam, and Alice Keenan, bring diverse backgrounds and a shared passion for the Lake District and its farming heritage. They expressed enthusiasm for their new roles, highlighting the importance of understanding the unique challenges and opportunities facing farmers in the region.
Sam Hallam noted the historical shift in farming focus from hyper-efficiency to nature recovery and climate change, emphasising the need to reconcile food production with environmental protection. Alice Keenan highlighted the evolution of climate-resilient farming practices, focusing on working with natural assets like soils, water, and trees, and integrating traditional knowledge with modern tools.
Jess Clark stressed the importance of trust and understanding in the relationship between Farming Officers and farmers, advocating for on-site visits and tailored advice to ensure FiPL projects benefit individual farm businesses. She also expressed excitement about supporting diversification projects that connect consumers with local food production.
The team is eager to facilitate farmer collaboration and build connections with new farmers, leveraging the extended funding period to build upon previous successes. They aim to foster a positive and sustainable future for farming in the Lake District, where farming, people, and the environment can thrive together.
