From rural markets and visitor trails to biodiversity and renewable energy initiatives, there’s now only a few hours left to get funding applications in for schemes aimed at boosting Swansea’s rural communities.

Noon on Monday November 6 has been set as the deadline for all applications forming part of Swansea Council’s rural anchor project being funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Schemes will be considered for funding if they support themes including rural economy and visitor experience, natural environment and climate emergency, innovation, and health and well-being.

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Investment, Regeneration and Tourism, said:

“Through our allocation from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, we want to make sure that as many residents, businesses and communities as possible benefit in all parts of Swansea, both urban and rural.

“With only a few days left for rural anchor project applications, this is why we’d encourage anyone interested to ensure they submit their forms on time to avoid potentially missing out on funding for schemes that could make a real difference to our rural communities both now and in years to come.”

Capital projects can receive up to £25k. These could include investment in renewable energy for community buildings or community car and bike charging points.

Eligible for up to £15k, revenue projects could include:

• Volunteering schemes to engage groups in rural communities, which could include community transport, environmental or befriending schemes, and community action.
• Feasibility studies with fully costed plans to help with unlocking future funding support. These could be for a community transport scheme or community facilities such as a museum or a hub.
• Local rural markets and visitor trails to improve footfall on rural high streets. These could include pop-up events, marketing campaigns and the developments of apps.
• Biodiversity schemes such as rural greening projects for improving biodiversity, community growing, or bringing underused spaces back into use through biodiversity.

Cllr Andrew Stevens, Councillor Champion for Rural Economy at Swansea Council, said:

“The availability of this funding will help further support Swansea’s rural communities, which are so important to Swansea’s culture, identity and economy.

“Building on the great work already being done by residents and businesses in rural parts of Swansea, we look forward to receiving applications for projects that support key themes including rural economy and visitor experience, natural environment and climate emergency, innovation, and health and well-being.”

Wards where rural anchor projects are eligible for support include Bishopston, Clydach (including Craig Cefn Park), Fairwood, Gorseinon and Penyrheol, Gower, Gowerton, Llangyfelach, Llwchwr, Penclawdd, Penllegaer, Pennard, Pontarddulais (including the old Mawr ward), Pontlliw and Tircoed.

Projects in other wards may also be supported on a case by case basis if they are on the fringes of these wards or, in extraordinary circumstances, areas with extensive natural environments elsewhere in the county.

Head to www.swansea.gov.uk/ruralfunding for more rural anchor project information and details on how to apply.

Anyone seeking further details can also email [email protected]