Running from 2014 to 2020 (extended to 2023), the programme was part of the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), funded by the European Union and Welsh Government.
In Swansea, the rural wards of Mawr, Llangyfelach, Pontarddulais, Penclawdd, Fairwood, Bishopston, Pennard, and Gower (and associated service wards) benefitted from £521,361 in grant funding which drew in an additional £183, 914 of match funding.
During the 7 years of the Rural Development Partnership, the locally led LEADER fund, under the guidance of the Local Action Group (LAG), funded 34 successful Swansea-based projects, supported 2,240 participants, created 18 new community hubs and 16 new community networks, carried out 17 pilot projects and a range of feasibility studies.
By taking an innovative ‘One Planet’ approach to project selection, practices were encouraged which help build a resilient sustainable future for the rural wards.
Funded projects included Community Supported Agricultural Schemes like Big Meadow, Llangennith, an Outdoor Learning Area based in Bishopston Primary School, and Feasibility Studies looking at renewable energy schemes and the potential for securing future funding for Swansea’s Northern Wards.
More on RDP funded projects can be found here www.swansea.gov.uk/rdp.