North Somerset's boundary stretches from the Severn
Estuary and River Avon to the Mendip Hills with over 25 miles of
coastline and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Two thirds of the area is classified as greenbelt or an Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty. Just over one third of North Somerset’s
population live in rural areas so support for the rural economy and
its future stability is crucial.
Rural Economic Regeneration
North
Somerset’s rural economy is vulnerable and facing change. Farm
businesses are developing multiple income streams through
diversification and many villages are suffering from an increasing
amount of out commuting and face the possibility of a further loss
of village services.
The role of our Rural Economic Development Officer is to act as
facilitator - an effective ‘driver’ and ‘enabler’ of change to
ensure there is increasing support for the rural economy and for
local communities. Current work includes supporting local rural
retailers through the
Shop Local in
North Somerset campaign, working with local food and craft
producers, developing supply chains, helping businesses to find
premises and providing general support for projects related to the
rural economy.
The North
Somerset Local Food
Directory and
'Made in north somerset' fortnight are further examples of how
we are raising awareness of and giving support to local rural
businesses.
Sources of advice and information:
For more information on the rural economy please contact our
Economic Development Service.
