A Selection of Some of the Projects Funded by Broads & Rivers LEADER+
Click on the project title for a fuller description.
Broadland Reed and Sedge Harvesting Rejuvenation
Broads Reed and Sedge Cutters Association
Formation of a new organisation to help individual reed cutters band together and look for cooperative solutions to the problems of their industry. The Association is purchasing new machinery, organising members' training and developing stronger links with conservation organisations as part of its longer-term aim of improving promotion of commercial reed cutting.
Norfolk and Waveney Enterprise Services
An innovative business support initiative, which aimed to help new businesses to start up and existing small businesses to thrive. A locally based business skills coach was recruited to act as part business consultant, part advocate and part matchmaker, to provide demand-lead advice and support. Additonal support was provided by a business advisory board drawn from private business and local government.
East Anglia Food Link Limited
A research project about local food producers, processors and retailers. The study identified the existing markets and suppliers and the way in which the customer's "food pound" is distributed amongst each player in the supply chain. The study also aimed to identify the steps needed to create and strengthen local linkages, thus enabling local businesses to keep a greater share of value within the local economy.
Developing Sustainable Tourism through Improved Quality within The Broads
The Broads Authority
A program of initiatives aimed at helping Broads' tourism businesses become more sustainable. It was envisaged to comprise an innovative mixture of awareness-raising, training workshops, one-to-one business visits, and awards schemes coupled with small financial incentives to carry out improvements. The concept was to pilot a range of approaches in order to lay the foundations for a longer term, more widespread initiative.
Diss
Development Partnership
A year-long festival celebrating the 500th anniversary of the Poet Laureate John Skelton and Tudor
life in Diss. A wide range of events were held, from poetry readings to a Tudor fair,
concerts, street activities, workshops and a schools project, with the aim of enhancing the reputation of Diss and its surrounding area.
“Improving environmental opportunity for all” at a number of RSPB nature reserves along the mid Yare valley, close to Strumpshaw Fen. Improved site information and events assisted enhancing the visitor experience, and improvements to the training areas and accommodation used by volunteers, aimed to assist attract a wider mix of volunteers.
Photo - Sarah Burston, RSPB
Kickstart Norfolk
A major grant for a moped hire scheme, which addresses the needs of unemployed people who have no private transport and where the lack of public transport is a barrier to their accessing work or training. The project extends over the whole of the Programme area with maintenance sub-bases in the market towns of Stalham, Harleston, Acle and Loddon.
TEACH (Training Enterprise and Assessment in Conservation of Heritage) at Waxham Barn.
Norfolk Historic Buildings Trust
Repair of historic building and provision of training in building conservation skills. Restored building opened as a visitor centre, so helping to support the local tourist economy and ensuring a viable future for the building.
Creative Arts East
Giving a new “twist” to local arts and crafts by teaming up professional creative artists with traditional craft workers, to find innovative ways to create new arts products. Includes training in business skills for artists and the organisation of exhibitions for local community groups.
Filby Broad Shore Enhancement Scheme
Filby Parish Council
Improving public access to the shore of Filby Broad whilst enhancing wildlife conservation. A new boardwalk and fishing platforms improved access whilst reducing damage caused by trampling, benefitting the bank-side vegetation of a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Work was carried out by contractors and supported by a number of volunteers from the local community. The boardwalk is accessible to wheelchair users and people with visual impairment.
Broads Society
A grants programme to encourage boat owners on the Norfolk Broads to convert diesel powered boats to electric propulsion, offering additional work to local boatyards and wider environmental benefits in terms of reduced noise and pollution of the Broads.
Stalham with Happing Community Development Programme
Stalham with Happing Partnership
Coordinating a wide consultation process with local residents and visitors to Stalham and its hinterland. The “Market Towns Healthcheck” used a variety of techniques to encourage the active participation of all sections of the community, and resulted in identifying and prioritising future projects that would benefit the local community.
Norfolk County Council & Project Partners
A major sustainable tourism project based around the creation of a 35-mile (54km) riverside walk between Norwich and Great yarmouth, linking up with village walks and a separate 35 mile cycling route. A comprehensive interpretation and promotional strategy resulted in the installation of innovative information points and the organisation of events, sponsoring the development of a new landbased attraction, with good access from the broads and rivers.
North Norfolk District Council
This project provides training in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to promote personal development and improve employment opportunities for those living in the LEADER+ wards of North Norfolk. These rural areas are less well served by existing provision due to remoteness from main centres; and takes the training out to local venues.
Norwich Diocesan Board of Finance
This project opens up to local people, visitors and spirtual pilgrims the heritage to be found in the churches and churchyards of the Broads and Rivers area. The object of the project is to ensure that churches are seen as an active part of the general tourism structure of the area.
