Rural drive turns into concrete results
Playgrounds, outdoor gyms and hiking trails. The so-called Leader projects take hold of development ideas in rural areas and help to make them a reality. In recent years, this has involved support of several million kronor.
”"Mobilize the forces of civil society in rural development projects and their implementation." This is how Jeanette Junge, operations manager at Leader Eastern Skåne, succinctly describes her mission.
– It's about capturing good ideas, originating from the countryside and its towns, and helping with the implementation. The funding for the projects comes from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, the state and municipalities.
The municipalities contribute a third of the funding and this can be a certain counterbalance to the image that nothing is being done for the countryside, says Jeanette Junge.
If you look in the rearview mirror – what kind of impact has it had on the municipality of Hässleholm in recent years?
– Project support, from the then Leader PH area, has made possible a fantastic experience and adventure park in Tyringe. The town has also achieved a restoration of the Sanatorieskogen forest and the start-up of the spring water, where people used to drink from a well. Tyringe Hockey has received broadcasting equipment and funds for training to manage it.
The projects are located throughout the municipality, such as:
The hiking trail in Torup.
Functional adaptation of the facility for radio-controlled cars in Sösdala.
Outdoor gym at Lillasjöslingan in Hästveda.
Outdoor gym and multi-arena in Farstorp.
Ignaberga nature and culture – 120 residents in three villages have conducted study circles and collected facts to train local nature and culture guides and created a walking trail in the area.
– In the current program period, there are also prioritized funds for adapting the riding facility in Vinslöv to accessibility. They are waiting for a final decision from the Swedish Board of Agriculture, says Jeanette Junge.
But these are smaller amounts, right?
– No, it is unlikely. If we take the riding school in Vinslöv or the hiking trail in Torup as examples, it is about support of 2-3 million SEK per project.
Jeanette Junge tries to spread knowledge and opportunities around Leader in various ways. She has participated in the station town meetings for the past couple of years, among other things.
– Leader is not just about money, but about collaboration between civil society, the municipality and the business community. We create networks through our contacts and can help seek additional support, including through the Inheritance Fund. When we succeed together, it means development for the countryside.
She has worked within Leader for the past ten years and her area of responsibility consists of nine municipalities.
– It's fantastic to experience the commitment and see finished results. There are many who are prepared to take responsibility and their own initiatives for their locality. The Leader method can be a catalyst there.
Civil society engagement is measurable. A survey conducted between 2014 and 2022 found that the non-profit work in the projects was equivalent to 1,767 full-time jobs (nationally).
The one who carries ideas for his place and location can contact Jeanette Junge for more information.
– We can provide support to everyone, except private individuals. This can be entrepreneurs, organizations or associations that have ideas to benefit the countryside. We can contribute with financing and provide advice on collaboration. We also have an important coaching function, where we can give an opinion on whether the idea is viable and on the right track.
TEXT & PHOTO: Andreas Örwall Lovén, Business Developer, Hässleholm Municipality (2026-04-10)