What is LEADER?

LEADER is a community-led rural development programme which aims to improve the quality of life and prosperity in rural communities through locally driven rural development initiatives and projects.

In the Yorkshire Dales the LEADER Programme has been set up to build a sustainable community and economy that capitalises on the area’s environment, landscape, culture and heritage.

How is YDMT involved?

LEADER is a multi-agency partnership which brings together people from the voluntary sector, public bodies and private businesses. In the Yorkshire Dales area this partnership is led by the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust. Rima Berry is our Dales LEADER co-ordinator.

LEADER funding is being made available through the Rural Development Programme for England, which is jointly funded by Defra and the European Union, and is managed by Yorkshire Forward in the Yorkshire & Humber region.

How can LEADER help you?

The Yorkshire Dales LEADER Programme will distribute £2.4 million for community-driven and wide-benefiting projects in the Yorkshire Dales area. The programme supports actions that fall within three broad areas of activity:

• Development of innovative community service provision to meet the needs of the local population.
• Promotion and development of village regeneration and local community identity.
• Conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage.