Up to £9 Million Available for Landscape-Scale Nature Recovery Projects in Northern Ireland

A new funding programme aimed at reversing nature decline and improving habitat connectivity across Northern Ireland's farmed landscape is now open for applications.

The Farming with Nature Landscape Projects Scheme, administered by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) through Northern Ireland's Sustainable Agriculture Programme, will support collaborative projects involving multiple farms working together to deliver environmental improvements at a landscape scale.

The scheme is intended to create larger and better-connected habitats than could typically be achieved by individual farm businesses acting alone. It aims to enhance biodiversity, strengthen ecological resilience and promote more sustainable agricultural systems through coordinated action across wider areas.

DAERA expects the initial programme to support up to ten projects. Funding of up to £4 million is proposed over five years for project development activities, including administration, habitat assessment, mapping, facilitation, monitoring, evaluation and training. A further £5 million is proposed over four years to fund tailored environmental actions such as habitat creation, restoration and long-term management.

Participating farmers may also benefit directly from the programme. Those involved in approved projects can receive annual payments of up to £1,000 for attending training sessions and project events, alongside an additional £500 for taking part in monitoring activities during project delivery.

Applications are open to constituted groups and organisations operating through a single legal entity. Eligible applicants include farmer-led groups, public bodies, non-governmental organisations, agricultural agents and other third-party organisations capable of leading collaborative environmental projects.

Projects must be based in Northern Ireland and involve at least five farm businesses. Each participating business must hold a DAERA Category 1 or Category 2 Business Identification Number. Applicants will need to demonstrate how their proposals will deliver measurable environmental outcomes and show relevant experience of managing agricultural or environmental projects.

Funding can be used to support a range of development activities, including habitat assessment, mapping, facilitation, farmer training, monitoring and evaluation. It can also cover the costs of practical habitat creation, restoration and management measures delivered across multiple holdings to improve biodiversity and landscape connectivity.

The deadline for applications is 4 December 2026. For more information, please visit Farming with Nature Package | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs