Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013

1. Rural Development Plan for Wales2007-2013 Axis 3 and 4

2. Key Developments to Date • Establishment of interim Bridgend Rural Partnership and Local Action Group with the Council as lead body November 2006. • Local Development Strategy (LDS) submitted 30 March 2007 • LDS Approved July 2007 • Formal development of Bridgend Rural Partnership • Local Action Group Set up • Open Call for Projects by September 14th 2007 • Submission of RDP Business Plan 29th November 2007 • Eligibility checks by WAG and responses by lead body / project sponsor to June 08 • WAG approval of Bridgend RDP Business Plan and 14 local projects 19th June 2008

3. Aims of Business Plan 2007-2010 • To create a rural identity that is based around a network of communities that have the right skills, enables local governance and delivers opportunities that simulate the rural economy and well being; • To develop rural Bridgend as a place of discovery for visitors and the local community, which celebrates its unique assets, fosters local enterprise, encourages cross community working and the use of innovative, sustainable solutions; • To cultivate an awareness of local food produce within Rural Bridgend and to create a solid network of producers, consumers and “foodie” ambassadors.

4. Projects and Themes • 21 Projects short-listed to 15 • Plotting all projects / ideas and themes that were identified in the open round • 15 projects approved.

5. Axis 3: Distinct projects with a strong Garw focus

6. Axis 4: Thematic Projects covering Rural Bridgend

7. Discovering Rural Bridgend Theme seeks to raise profile of Rural Bridgend as a tourist destination and raise awareness of the attractions and leisure facilities that are on offer Unlocking Rural Bridgend Project: • Mapping of existing rural activity and attractions • Outdoor activities development strategy • Development of a rural discovery network • Familiarisation visits • Directory – on-line and hard copy • Publicity and promotion • Passport to Rural Bridgend

8. Rural Food This theme is focused on increasing awareness and understanding of food and farming. The projects seek to educate local people about local, seasonal produce, how they contribute to a healthy diet and how farming and growing this produce contributes to the local economy and environment. Bridgend Real Food Project: • Consumer/Demand research • Food directory • 12 food workshops • Local produce pub scheme • Study tours • Network • Information sharing events • Publicity and promotion

9. Rural Communities Looks to engage and support rural communities to revitalise their local area. The project officer will be responsible for working with individuals and groups to identify potential projects that could regenerate their community and assist them in developing business plans for these projects. Rural Communities Co-ordinator: • Mapping of existing rural activity • Provision/Facilities • Infrastructure • Gaps and Assets • Rural Voices Network – web-based • Engagement with specific sectors • Project development tool-kit • Networking events • Key Fund • Publicity and promotion

10. Resources – the Bridgend Rural Team

11. Next Steps • Finalise each projects financial profile • Sign legal agreements for the programme and individual projects • Appoint the Programme Manager, Monitoring Officer and three Axis 4 Co-ordinators • Set up office accommodation for the Bridgend Rural Team • Formally launch the RDP in Bridgend

12. Further Information For further details on any of the projects, contact: Regeneration Funding Team Communities Directorate Bridgend County Borough Council Unit 1, Innovation Centre Science Park Bridgend CF31 3NA • Tel. 01656 672921 • E-mail. regenerationfunding@bridgend.gov.uk • Website: http://funding.bridgend.gov.uk