Farmers in the Broads have been urged to join more than 50 of their colleagues who have gained government grants to enhance "protected landscapes".
The Defra-funded Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme helps farmers working in National Parks and AONBs (Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty) to develop projects for nature recovery, climate resilience, heritage conservation and public access.
In its first two years, it has allocated £25m to more than 2,400 approved projects across the UK, engaging more than 5,000 farmers and land managers.
In the Broads, 35 projects were funded during that time, with another 16 already approved in the third year of the scheme - attracting grants totalling £520,000.
It has resulted in more than 200 hectares of Broads’ wetland being better managed for biodiversity, 20 educational visits for schoolchildren, five projects making the landscape more inclusive for visitors, five projects improving soil health and the whole of the Broads becoming better protected against invasive mink.
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The FiPL programme has also enhanced habitat for wetland wildlife around Burgh Castle, near Great Yarmouth - an important area for breeding waders such as lapwing.
Now the Broads Authority is encouraging more Broadland farmers to get involved.
Hannah Norman, the authority's catchment and farming officer, said: "The first two years of the FiPL programme have been a huge success, and have enabled us to engage with over 100 farmers, landowners and land managers across the Broads in a really positive way.
"We have achieved some great outcomes for nature including improved reedbed management, educational visits out into the Broads and repaired one of our iconic mills to prevent further degradation.
"I am excited that the programme has been extended to 2025 with an increased budget and I look forward to continuing to work with a wide range of people throughout the Broads."
The FiPL programme runs until March 2025, with a larger budget for year four, and some funding is still available for this year. Farmers and land managers with potential projects can contact Hannah.Norman@broads-authority.gov.uk.
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