The Rural Development Programme (RDP) in Swansea

The LAG submitted its RDP LEADER rural local development strategy 2014-2020 (PDF) [2MB] to the Welsh Government and was successful in securing funding from the RDP LEADER programme, which they now manage.  

Swansea RDP's LAG has successfully refreshed its governing document the 'Local Delivery Strategy' (LDS) to incorporate a new approach to the way in which work is delivered in our rural communities. The LDS now incorporates One Planet principles to address climate change, by placing sustainability and community resilience as the fundamental element of our work.

This is the first time any local authority LAG has used the One Planet approach in Wales to affect strategy and grant making decisions. It is a new way of working and thinking, which will be required from those who wish to partner with Swansea RDP. It is in line with its acknowledgement of Swansea Council announcing a climate emergency and the urgent need for everyone to change tack away from 'business as usual' to a way of doing things to protect the lives of future generations.

Swansea RDP's vision is a 'one planet' future for a rural Swansea which:

• increases community resilience and self-reliance by producing more of what it consumes
• does this in a way that is less damaging to people's health and the environment
• supports more abundant natural resources and biodiversity
• encourages an end to needless waste
• yields more local and meaningful jobs
• gives greater protection from the possibility of disruption in the rest of the world in the environment, trade and the economy
• reduces the area's ecological and carbon footprints

The 3 strategic aims covered in the LDS are:

1. Increase wellbeing and ecosystem resilience through maintaining and adding value to natural and cultural resources
   An example of the types of projects we would like to see are groups adopting and looking after local nature spaces, possibly piloting micro-enterprises to obtain materials from woodlands to turn into crafts, furniture, etc. As a result of one of our previously funded projects in Pennard now has its own plastic free community group and shop.
    
2. Develop sustainable transport and energy initiatives that reduce emissions and mitigate climate change impacts
   In response to energy initiatives, Swansea RDP have already funded a study which allowed Wales' first community solar farm to unlock large scale funds to supply local energy to 300 residents and businesses. We would like to encourage further projects that also address energy efficiency and renewable heat, as well as sustainable transport programmes, which lower Swansea's carbon emissions.
    
3. Strengthen the self-sufficiency of the local economy and support active, resilient, and connected communities
   This can be achieved with more local food that is sustainably produced; with shorter and circular supply chains between consumers, producers, and suppliers; by increasing resource efficiency - reducing, reusing, reimagining and recycling waste; and by growing the green economy through community initiatives and skills development.

An example of the work Swansea RDP has already provided is funding for two community supported agriculture schemes of which, one is considered Wales' largest CSA. As a partnership, we encourage applications that generate and compliment the supply of healthy local foods to shorten supply chains to businesses and consumers.

Become a RDP local action group member

Swansea's RDP is seeking new members from the private sector to join its local action group (LAG) to assist with the implementation of the Rural Development Programme. 

Swansea RDP is a community led programme delivered in the 8 fully eligible wards these are Mawr, Llangyfelach, Pontarddulais, Penclawdd, Fairwood, Bishopston, Pennard, and Gower; and partially supported in the 3 service wards of Clydach, Gorseinon and Gowerton.

Benefits of being a member of Swansea RDP

• A sense of pride that you are a part of a LAG that assists in making rural Swansea a better place to live, work and play
• Gain further knowledge and experience of partnership work and working on grant funded programmes
• Opportunity to expand your network and work with like-minded people  

The role of partnership members

• Bring passion, creativity, and ambition for the potential of the programme and the difference it can make; and to determine the priorities for the programme within the scope of the LDS
• Take a pro-active approach to the allocation of funding to priorities agreed in the LDS based on the needs of the rural wards 
• Promote the partnership and its priorities within their own networks and beyond
• Represent a local area or organisation that is located within the rural wards or impacts on the rural wards

If you would like to join us in our mission to make a difference to rural communities, please complete our membership expression of interest and return it to us at rdpleader@swansea.gov.uk.

LAG membership - expression of interest form (Word doc) [94KB]
 
Please note the partnership has a membership selection process we are unlikely to be able to accept all applications; there are a limited number of places on the Partnership, and we need to ensure a balance of different interests.