Grants
A Guide to UK Agricultural Grants Funding Virtual Fencing
Regional Grant Support
Each part of the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) has its own tailored grant schemes that reflect local agricultural priorities and challenges.
These region-specific programmes often offer funding for a variety of projects. Collaborating with local agricultural advisors or councils can help farmers identify the most relevant funding streams and maximise their chances of success.
UK Wide
UK Wide
FIPL - Farming in Protected Landscapes programme (DEFRA)
Running until March 2029 (subject to annual allocations). Support projects that:
- Improve nature recovery
- Mitigate climate change
- Enhance landscape quality
- Increase public access and engagement
Virtual fencing is eligible where it contributes to landscape, grazing or habitat outcomes.
Applications remain open year‑round, with decisions made locally by each National Park or National Landscape team.
UK Wide
ADOPT FUND
Supports farms trialling new technology.
- Covers up to 70% of project costs
- £20.6 million committed for 2025/26
- Ideal for innovative grazing systems, including virtual fencing
UK Wide
National Lottery Heritage Fund
Funds nature‑based, rural and heritage projects.
- Applications under £250,000 assessed monthly
- Applications up to £5 million assessed quarterly
- Virtual fencing can be included where it supports landscape, heritage or nature outcomes.
England
England
Farming Equipment & Technology Fund (FETF)
New 2026 round expected late autumn.
DEFRA has confirmed continued support for productivity and slurry equipment, with potential expansion into grazing innovation tools.
Virtual fencing is not yet listed but may be eligible under “innovation trials” depending on final guidance.
England
Landscape Recovery Round 3
Opening winter 2026.
Supports large‑scale nature recovery projects — peatland, river catchments, species recovery.
Virtual fencing is increasingly used in rewilding and low‑input grazing systems.
England
Affinity Water Biodiversity Funding (North‑West London / Hertfordshire)
Supports biodiversity improvements on land within Affinity Water priority catchments.
Virtual fencing can help deliver targeted grazing for habitat management.
Scotland
Scotland
Future Farm Investment Scheme (FFIS)
Round 2 confirmed for 2026 with £14.25 million available.
Supports capital investment that improves environmental performance, efficiency and climate outcomes.
Round 1 opened in August, so similar timing is expected.
Virtual fencing aligns strongly with FFIS objectives.
Scotland
CAGS - Crofting Agricultural Grants Scheme
Supports crofters and tenants in the Highlands & Islands.
Funding available for infrastructure, equipment and grazing improvements.
Scotland
Nature Restoration Fund – Local Delivery Grants (NEW 2026)
Supports habitat restoration, peatland recovery and species projects.
Virtual fencing is eligible where it enables conservation grazing.
Wales
Wales
Ffermio Bro
Ffermio Bro is fully active and funded through 2026–2028, with £6.5 million allocated by Welsh Government to support collaborative, landscape‑scale projects across Wales’ National Parks and National Landscapes.
The scheme supports:
- Upland and targeted conservation grazing
- Nature recovery and habitat restoration
- Water quality improvements
- Landscape and cultural heritage projects
Virtual fencing is eligible where it enables controlled, nature‑friendly grazing.
Application windows are managed locally by each Designated Landscape.
Some areas (e.g., Môn) currently have open Expression of Interest windows, while others run timed rounds throughout the year.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
DAERA – Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS NI)
Launching late 2026.
Expected to include capital support for:
- Grazing infrastructure
- Technology that improves environmental outcomes
- Virtual fencing is likely to be eligible under “precision grazing”.
Northern Ireland
Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS) – Higher & Wider
Supports habitat creation, upland grazing and species recovery.
Virtual fencing can be used to manage cattle in sensitive upland areas.
Additional UK Funding sources
Additional UK Funding sources
Water Company Catchment Grants
Many water companies (Severn Trent, United Utilities, Wessex Water) now offer biodiversity or catchment improvement grants.
Virtual fencing is increasingly accepted for targeted grazing.
Additional UK Funding sources
Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS)
Rolling out across England in 2026.
Funding available for projects delivering local nature priorities — including conservation grazing.
Additional UK Funding sources
Private Carbon & Biodiversity Markets
Landowners can access payments for nature‑based outcomes.
Virtual fencing supports low‑input grazing required for many schemes.
Funding the Future of UK Agriculture
The UK’s agricultural grants offer tangible support to those ready to innovate. Farmers and rural entrepreneurs who stay informed, act strategically and align with regional and national priorities can access the financial tools they need to thrive. The journey to a more sustainable and efficient future in agriculture is paved with opportunity—if you know where to look.
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