What we do

We’re really glad you want to find out about such an exciting programme which we hope with your help, will make a big difference to our rural communities in Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent.

We’re guessing that by searching us out you want to get involved in our programme and join a growing network community of inspiring rural projects.

Want to find out more about the RDP?

The Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014 - 2020 is the name for financial support from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in Rural Areas. The fund invests in rural communities across Europe including right here in Wales and is administered by the Welsh Government. There is lots of information about the Rural Development Programme on the following websites

• European Commission
• Welsh Government - Rural Development Programme
• Welsh Government - Wales Rural Network 

Come and meet our Rural Ambassadors!

Each area appoints a Local Action Group (LAG), which is made up of enthusiastic and passionate like-minded people from the public, private and third sectors (community and voluntary), so that we get a fair representation of our rural community. There are likely to be pictures and profiles here.

Why do we do it?

Following a set of themes in a Local Development Strategy, the group decides how the money is invested in our rural communities and our Cwm a Mynydd LAG covers specific rural wards and service areas (check out our map to see if you’re rural!) in Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent boroughs. This way of supporting rural development is known as LEADER and it follows five themes:-

• Adding value to local identity and natural and cultural resources
• Facilitating pre-commercial development, business partnerships and short supply chains
• Exploring new ways of providing non-statutory local services
• Renewable energy at community level
• Exploitation of digital technology

We all have to make sure that our ideas and projects tie in with these aims to ultimately achieve our goals for making the rural areas of Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent a great place to live, work, visit and enjoy!