Agenda item

We received a report regarding the progress of the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) and Ffermio Bro programmes, the Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) and the Wye Valley National Landscape Fund with Herefordshire Community Foundation (HCF).

In doing so, the following information was noted:

·        The Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) total allocation from DEFRA for the Wye Valley National Landscape in 2026/27 is £345,389, with similar indicative levels for 2027/28 and 2028/29.

·        The FiPL Local Assessment Panel has approved grants for 5 projects totalling £89,981.50 in 2026/27 along with a further 5 projects assessed at the most recent Panel meeting with the final offers still being negotiated.

·        DEFRA launched the Wildlife Rich Habitat Fund in May 2026 for the 3 years of 2026/27 to 2028/29 with Wye Valley National Landscape’s allocation in 2026/27 being £80,000.

·        Two projects have been supported to date through the Wildlife Rich Habitat Fund totalling £26,804.

·        The Ffermio Bro total allocation from Welsh Government for the Wye Valley National Landscape in 2026/27 is £235,257 with a similar level for 2027/28.

·        The Ffermio Bro Assessment Panel met on 1^st July 2026 with 2 grant approvals being negotiated, so no formal grant offers have yet been made, but there is a healthy pipeline of prospective applications.

·        The Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) Assessment Panel has approved 5 projects to date totalling £19,468 of the £95,000 allocated by Welsh Government.

·        The Herefordshire Community Foundation (HCF) Wye Valley National Landscape Fund is currently closed for applications while opportunities to grow the Fund are sought.

We received an update on grant allocations across the Partnership’s main funding programmes. As these reports are presented early in the financial year, shortly after the first quarter, overall expenditure remains relatively modest. However, spending levels were considered healthy and in line with expectations at this stage of the year.

It was noted that a Farming in Protected Landscapes Panel meeting had taken place shortly before the report was finalised. Although a number of grant applications had been approved by the assessment panel, the awards had not yet been formally confirmed with the relevant landowners and land managers and therefore were not included in the figures presented. Similarly, recent grant decisions from the Ffermio Bro assessment panel were still being finalised and were also excluded from the current report. Overall, progress and the level of grant commitments made so far was satisfactory.

JAC Members were also informed of a significant new funding opportunity from DEFRA. The newly established Wildlife Rich Habitat Fund has allocated £80,000 to the Wye Valley in the current financial year. This funding was secured through a competitive bidding process and was welcomed by the JAC. It was noted that good progress had already been made in allocating the fund and that updates on its use would be included in future grant reports. As DEFRA funding, the scheme applies only to projects on the English side of the area.

Looking ahead, JAC Members noted the increasing national focus on nature recovery, particularly in light of the Government’s recently announced “30 by 30” strategy, which aims to ensure that 30% of land is managed for nature by 2030. Officers suggested that this target is likely to drive funding priorities and conservation activity over the coming years.

JAC Members welcomed the breadth and diversity of projects being supported through the various grant schemes, highlighting examples ranging from hedgehog conservation initiatives to projects supporting butterfly species and other wildlife.

We resolved:

(i)              To endorse the recent allocations of FiPL, Ffermio Bro and SDF grants.

(ii)             To welcomes the new Wildlife Rich Habitat Fund allocation from DEFRA.