An update on the Landscape Recovery Scheme

Background to the Landscape Recovery Scheme:

The Landscape Recovery Scheme (“LRS”) is one of three Environmental Land Management (“ELM”) schemes implemented pursuant to the Agriculture Act 2020 (the “AA 2020”). Alongside the Sustainable Farming Incentive and Countryside Stewardship, the schemes are a significant landmark in English agricultural policy. Characterized by the principle of ‘public money for public goods’, the schemes replace farming subsidies under the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (such subsidies being phased out under the AA 2020). While the ELM schemes offer landowners and farmers varying degrees of financial assistance, they are united in seeking to meet the environmental goals set out in section 1 of the AA 2020.

The Landscape Recovery Scheme in focus

The LRS is ambitious with collaboration at landscape scale a key driver.  It will pay for ‘bespoke, longer-term, larger scale projects to enhance the natural environment’. Getting into the details:

• LRS projects must be in England and relate to a ‘broadly connected area of at least 500 hectares’. Both private and public bodies can apply for funding under the LRS;
• The scheme constitutes five phases; Application, Evaluation, Enrolment, Project Development and Project Implementation. The Project Implementation phase is likely to last ‘at least 20 years’;
• Funding for the projects is intended to be a blend of both public and private money.

To date, there have been two rounds of applications for Development phase funding under the LRS, with each round having a slightly different environmental focus. Round 1 focused on (i) the recovery and restoration of England’s threatened native species and (ii) the restoration of England’s streams and rivers. Round 2 focused on net zero, protected sites and wildlife-rich habitats. Defra is currently funding 56 Projects accepted in Rounds 1 and 2.

Defra suggested a third round of funding would open in 2024, however there have been no further announcements[1] to date.

Further details can be found via Defra’s website: Funding for farmers, growers and land managers – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Michelmores’ role in the LRS:

Michelmores is delighted to see the development of LRS projects gathering pace, having followed the evolution of the LRS since its unveiling.  The Natural Capital team at Michelmores advised at the early test & trial phase, with input provided to projects led by the Foundation for Common Land, North Devon Biosphere Foundation and private landowners.

We are now excited to be working with a number of Round 1 Development phase projects including the North East Cotswold Farmer Cluster and the Upper Axe Landscape Recovery Project.  We are also working closely with a number of other Round 1 and Round 2 projects as they begin to appoint legal advisors to progress the legal and governance aspects of their ambitious schemes.

If you are involved with an LRS project, or considering a Round 3 application, and require legal input, please do get in touch

Contact: Josie Edwards

[1] Landscape Recovery: sharing the successful second round projects – Farming (blog.gov.uk)