Members of Wales Rural Network attended the end of programme event in Swansea.
The event took place in The Purple Badger situated on Wales’ beautiful north Gower.
In Swansea RDP delivered the community-led programme LEADER in the eight fully eligible wards of Mawr, Llangyfelach, Pontarddulais, Penclawdd, Fairwood, Bishopston, Pennard, and Gower; and partially supported in the three service wards of Clydach, Gorseinon and Gowerton.
Swansea have funded over £1M through the LEADER programme, making a massive difference to rural communities and the people who live within them.
The event was attended by members of the Local Action Group, project beneficiaries and Councillors from Swansea Borough Council.
We heard the success stories from beneficiaries such as Mawr Biodiversity Project. The project aimed to increase the biodiversity and improve ecosystem resilience in Ffordd Ellen in Craig Cefn Parc and Garnswllt Field, Garnswllt.
These two areas were identified to develop and transform, benefitting the local communities by providing an area of green space accessible to all to embrace the joys of nature on their doorstep.
The funding was used to employ a project coordinator who will oversee the running of the Mawr Biodiversity Project/Prosiect Bioamrywiaeth Mawr and the development of the land into nature areas for education, recreation, relaxation, and socialisation for the communities of Craig Cefn Parc and Garnswllt.
The project continues to go from strength to strength and hopes to continue its work through other grant schemes.
The event heard from policy individuals including looking at future funding opportunities for rural areas in the ward and the importance of Swansea as a Tourism destination.
Finally an important message was shared via a video to raise awareness about mental health support and take the steps towards normalising conversations around wellbeing.
RDP Oral histories project: 'Stories of a Changing Landscape, a Farmer's Perspective'
The project explores the successes as well as the challenges and struggles within the sector, touching on topics perceived by many to be difficult to broach.
The project raises awareness about mental health support and take the steps towards normalising conversations around wellbeing.
As a useful resource the project has produced a mental health directory containing useful numbers and information for those working within the farming sector, and who may need support.