RDPE Leader -
Brecks
| The aim of the Brecks programme is for the area to be a showcase for
effective, integrated rural development and environmental excellence
in a sensitive and fragile area - one that is prepared for the
opportunities and challenges offered by climate change, economic
pressures, community growth and diversity. |
Ian Monson, Chairman of Brecks “Securing
this grant funding for the Brecks region means we have an opportunity
to adapt to the harsh economic conditions we are now facing. The
funding will allow us to continue to introduce green energy solutions
and farm and forestry diversification techniques that will allow us to
cope with both the economic and climatic challenges facing us today
and tomorrow.”
Objective 1: Supporting farm-based
diversification with a key focus on businesses which make use of waste
or green energy options
- The LAG will target the creation of farm diversification businesses
Objective 2: Developing supply chains for energy
production and local food
- The Brecks will build strong links with those
regional RDPE projects tackling energy management and will support
businesses with local solutions and risk nagement systems such as
diversification and collaboration.
- A key driver for market creation is improving consumers
understanding. The Programme will develop effective links between
local producers and local consumers of both energy sources and foods.
Objective 3: Improving opportunities for
community stabilisation, integration and Improved rural skills
- The Brecks will work with others to improve the
technical and managerial skills of rural labour, especially that
connected to the land based sector. The Programme also aims to help
migrant communities to develop and establish new rural businesses and
social enterprises.
Objective 4: Identifying opportunities for rural
businesses from the Thetford Growth Point agenda
- By linking the Leader delivery of RDPE to the Growth Point agenda
and support, we can help rural businesses identify opportunities that
arise and seek to learn lessons for other rural communities
Objective 5: Assisting businesses adapt to the
pressures on natural resources caused by both climate and demographic
change
- The Brecks is already an area that is under pressure from water
shortage for agriculture; it is an over-abstracted resource. These
pressures will increase with both the planned population growth for
Thetford, and the anticipated temperature rise and drier summers due
to climate change. The LAG will work with regional RDPE projects and
with such specialists as the team at Cranfield University and be
especially alert to opportunities for promoting collaboration in water
storage and improved systems of water usage.
- Climate change will lead to a change in the species planted in
Thetford Forest. Currently most of the timber produced leaves the
area. There are opportunities in the expansion of Thetford to use the
local timber of both pine (in volume) and its replacement (in pilot
form) in a prepared form in building construction. These opportunities
will be available for both existing and new businesses.
Objective 6: Building on the tourism options of
the area through collaboration and environmentally sensitive tourism
and recreation
- The Brecks area has been developing its tourism offer and
recognition for the past 5 years. This Programme aims to further
develop this offer through targeting “green” tourism and recreation
options.
If you would like to contact the LAG chairman please
use the contact form on this website.
Alternatively if you would like to know how to get involved please
visit 'How can I get involved?'
Useful Documents
-
Minutes of
Brecks LAG Meeting on 20th January 2009
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