Rural Environment Farming Funds

The Crown Estate has launched a £20 million Rural Environment Fund to support tenant farmers in transitioning to sustainable farming models that balance food production with nature recovery. This fund, which is double the previous allocation, aims to help farmers meet ambitious biodiversity targets by repurposing 15% of farmland let on new tenancies to nature recovery by 2030. The fund will assist farmers in creating habitats that promote biodiversity and help diversify income streams. Since its inception, the fund has already supported significant progress, including the planting of 300 kilometers of hedgerows and 280 hectares of woodland.

The Rural Environment Fund is part of the Crown Estate's updated approach to nature recovery, which includes biodiversity targets across its land and marine assets in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The fund is designed to support both food production and nature recovery through a 15-year environmental Farm Business Tenancy developed in collaboration with the Tenant Farmers Association (TFA). This initiative aims to secure resilient agricultural businesses and deliver natural capital benefits, aligning with national and global biodiversity commitments, including the UK's target to protect 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030. The Crown Estate's efforts are expected to play a pivotal role in advancing nature recovery while supporting farmers and rural communities.

Image Credit: The Crown Estate