A new grant scheme is offering funding for land managers to restore their historic farm buildings.

Launched by Defra, Natural England and Historic England, the Historic Building Restoration Grant is being piloted this year in five National Parks.

The five National Parks are Dartmoor, the Lake District, Northumberland, Peak District and the Yorkshire Dales.

The scheme aims to help owners save iconic historic farm buildings from falling out of use buy offering 80% towards the cost of restoration.

This can include replacing the roof, weatherproofing the exterior, or other restoration works so that the building can be used again for farming purposes.

The scheme is open for applications until 31 January 2019 and, once approved, agreement holders will have two years to complete the works.

The grant is supported by an implementation plan so applicants can work with advisors and conservation consultants to develop a management plan to deliver the restoration.

This work is 100% funded so applicants can seek the advice they need to develop high quality applications and secure funding for their projects.

Defra minister Lord Gardiner said: “The British countryside, including those historic farm buildings that dot some of our most iconic landscapes, is a truly precious natural asset.

“I am delighted that we are able to open this new set of grants supporting the restoration of traditional farm buildings.

Land managers who applied for the scheme would be safeguarding rural history and culture while regenerating traditional buildings for use today and for future generations.”

Historic England chairman Sir Laurie Magnus said: “Many farm buildings, in my view, are as important as churches in contributing to the beauty and the character of the English landscape.

“The partnership approach being piloted by Historic England, Natural England and upland National Parks will be of immense value in helping owners to maintain and conserve these buildings.”