Solway, Border and Eden Local Action Group : Cumbria County Council

Supporting sustainable development for rural north Cumbria

What We Do

RDPE money is available by way of funding and grants in these broad areas:
FARMING & FORESTRY	RURAL LIFE
Training and advisory services Small-scale investment to modernise agricultural holdings e.g. energy micro-generation; nutrient & water management; animal health & welfare Cooperation, collaboration & shared resource projects The improvement of the economic value of woodlands Adding value to agricultural and forestry products Farm diversification	Business creation & development Eco-tourism; low impact tourism; tourism networks; heritage tourism Conservation, interpretation and promotion of rural heritage Community development through: Shared assets, Low-carbon initiatives, Service delivery Training: Business, Community Groups, Environmental sustanability

Grants up to £100,000 at rates of 40% - 100% of total project costs. Generally, commercial projects can be funded at up to 50% whilst community projects can attract higher rates

Talk to one of the team to see how the programme might work for you.

How we work

The funding available through the RDPE programme is to be delivered by the ‘LEADER’ method. This puts decision making at a local level through a Local Action Group which represents organisations and businesses from across the Solway Border and Eden area. The Group meets at least once a year and appoints an Executive consisting of 12/14 representatives from their number. The Executive meets regularly to consider proposals and make recommendations for the direction of the programme.

Who we are

David Doxford– Programme Manager

Responsible for working with, and interpreting the requirements of the Local Action Group and its Executive. Managing the RDPE programme to achieve its objectives. Geographic responsibility for projects in the east of the area

Nigel Bamford– Development Officer

Particular responsibility for developing projects within the business sector across the whole area.

Shirley Muir– Development Officer

Farming, forestry and renewable energy projects and geographic responsibility for the north of the area.

David Smith– Development Officer

Community and social enterprise project development and geographic responsibility for the west of the area.

Julie Hodgson– Programme Administrator

Website, liaison with the Local Action group, records and project support.

Where we are

RDPE: Solway, Border and Eden LEADER

Local Links Community Office

Market Hall