LEADER+ is an initiative that was implemented throughout the European Union (2000 states) and aims to assist rural communities improve the quality of life and economic prosperity of their local areas. It supports innovative and sustainable rural development projects that meet local needs and are driven by the local communities.

LEADER is an acronym for "Liaison Entre Actions pour le Développement de L'Economie Rurale" This translates as "links between actions for the development of the rural economy". LEADER+ has developed from two earlier schemes, the original pilot LEADER and the subsequent LEADER II. The LEADER+ programme was implemented between 2000 to 2008, and received financial support from the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF).

The Broads & Rivers Programme was not included in these earlier schemes and thus was new to LEADER. It was one of 25 programmes in England.

When developing the Programme it was recognised that the Broads is one of the finest wetland environments in Britain. However, at the same time as being an area of high landscape and ecological value, it is a place where people live and work and where many of the traditional forms of land management are threatened by falling economic viability. The Broads & Rivers LEADER+ programme aimed to develop new relationships that link the rural economy with the local environment and its communities, so that each supports the other.

The Programme wanted to regenerate traditional industries that benefit the landscape and to find ways of encouraging tourists to enjoy what the area has to offer. It also wanted to help local communities to take advantage of new opportunities, by developing skills and by encouraging innovative uses of technology.

Click here for more details of the Broads & Rivers Programme.

If you would like more information about the UK Programme click here and if you wish for more details of the wider European Programme click here.