New funding of £1.7 million will allow groups of farmers and organisations to bid for cash to spend on large scale environmental projects in their area.

The Countryside Stewardship Facilitation Fund aims to encourage landowners to co-operate with their neighbours and achieve environmental benefits they couldn’t reach on their own.

Now in its third round, the fund has previously helped improve more than 273,000 hectares of land, with improvements ranging from enhancing wildlife habitats, planting trees and restoring rivers.

Chief Executive of Natural England, James Cross, said: “This scheme is about helping more farmers and land managers make the most of Countryside Stewardship and bring benefits for nature and people on a landscape scale.

“This is really exciting, a real win-win for farmers, land managers, rural communities and of course, our wildlife.”

Groups must apply for the initiative by 14th November.