The Cotswolds Leader Programme has been a great success with 56 rural businesses supported with grants totalling over £1.7 million. Funding has supported the construction of new offices, farm shops and an education centre, and equipment ranging from a robotic milking system to a log-drying kiln. These investments have enabled the recipient businesses to grow and has facilitated the creation of 80 jobs across our region. In addition, many environmental benefits have been gained, including from investments in high-tech equipment for precision farming that helps to reduce farms’ carbon footprints.
Cotswolds LEADER Final Report
We have produced a short report with details on where the grants went and how these helped businesses, communities and the environment. The report includes a statistical breakdown by county and local authority. Finally, we reflect on our journey, the lessons learnt and a look to the future.
Download the Cotswolds LEADER Final Report
View the projects we have funded
LEADER is a national programme and is part of the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) and is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). Grant decisions were made by an appointed Local Action Group (LAG) with members recruited through open competition and appointed by the Cotswolds Conservation Board.
The Programme is now closed to applications and will not re-open.
