transformation through locally led development

 

Upplandsbygd supports enthusiasts and entrepreneurs who want to work for a sustainable transition in rural areas.

Project manager in local economy and shorter food chains

We are now looking for a temporary employee for 1 year for our office in Storvreta. As a project manager/coordinator, you will work on running and coordinating projects within local food, shorter food chains and sustainable rural development.

Rural Parliament 2026

What happens when people themselves take the initiative to develop the place where they live? During the Rural Parliament 2026, Daniel participated in the inspiration trip along the Vindelälven and took part in seminars on the role of civil society, local engagement and preparedness. Here he shares some of the stories, meetings and thoughts that came with him home from his days in Skellefteå.

Deltagare på inspirationsträff om beredskapsodling på Orkesta bygdegård i Vallentuna.

Great interest in emergency farming in Vallentuna

About 50 recreational growers from Vallentuna and the surrounding area gathered last night at Orkesta community center to learn more about emergency farming.

Cultivation inspiration on the Näset

Last night, about 30 people interested in growing crops went out to Näsets Gröna, beautifully situated with a view of Ekoln.

Matmarknad på Smaka på Vallentuna

Newsletter May 2026

The newsletter for May 2026 is here, the last chance to register for our meetings!

Gruppbild Ung Planetskötare

Young Planet Caretakers meet in Sigtuna

This weekend, Ung Planetskötare had a kick-off meeting at Sigtuna Folk High School. Now ten young people aged 17–25 are working on planning this summer's environmental project.

Smart districts in Vallentuna – study circle

The Smart Villages study circle in Vallentuna consists of three meetings during May–June 2026. We will meet in Vallentuna municipal hall, in the same building as the high school at Gymnasievägen 4C.

Årsmöte på Näsets Gröna

Study visit to Näsets Gröna

Come along to Näsets Gröna and learn more about how to grow a variety of vegetables in a natural way and without dependence on imported inputs.

Bild på odlingsbänk från Hökeriet i Vallentuna kommun.

Plant exchange and inspiration meeting about emergency cultivation

Welcome to Orkesta community center on May 21st to change plants, learn more about emergency cultivation and meet other committed people!

Newsletter March 2026

Check in and read the March 2026 newsletter. Join us at upcoming network meetings and book the date for the annual meeting, May 20, now.

Municipalities' efforts and outcomes 2023-2025

A diagram illustrating both the municipalities' financial contributions to LEADER projects (input) and the total value created (outcome) between 2023 and 2025

Study visit to Langhard agriculture

Welcome to a study visit to Langhard Lantbruk on May 18! At Langhard Lantbruk outside Vallentuna, Helena and Joakim Langhard run the farm with the idea that food and agriculture do not have to be large-scale to be significant. Quite the opposite.

Echoshperience

The project aims to preserve and disseminate unique acoustic environments in five locally anchored church buildings within the Sigtuna and Knivsta pastorates. By recording so-called acoustic impulse responses (IR files) from actual locations, the churches' acoustics can be captured and digitally preserved for the future.

Milk and Honey Garden – display garden with knowledge walk

The villa garden in Gimo will become a physical source of knowledge, like an edible jungle. The hope is to inspire others to start growing edible plants in their own gardens and thereby increase the proportion of locally produced food.

Milk and Honey Garden – a shop with garden abundance

Johanna Kylin in Gimo grows a variety of edible plants in her garden, she also does beekeeping. She now wants to start selling her surplus to others in Gimo. To give back to the community in the way she can. The solution will be a simple trading stall with self-service.

The food source part 2

Micaela Zackrisson together with Östhammar's business association is moving forward in the process of creating a local food network in Östhammar. The idea is to develop an action plan for the new platform. And at the same time establish a new project in collaboration with the municipality.

Part-time farmers – a model for sustainable work-life balance and local food production

Uppsala Food Council will investigate an innovative model for part-time vegetable growers. The model is based on 1-2 days of unpaid leave per week, where the part-time grower instead works as a paid grower. This will be a unique way for companies to contribute to the well-being of their employees while promoting regenerative thinking.

Potatoes with a twist

Through this project, Langhards Lantbruk wants to create a collaborative process around a potato harvester, to reduce climate impact, increase economic stability and contribute to shorter food chains. This investment will regenerate the countryside in the long term and create local development that takes place between people.

Recreation center activities – Creative workshop

Källörs village hall association, in collaboration with Knytpunkten, arranges a creative workshop twice a month. So that children and young people can learn to create creatively with clay and to create more meeting places for children and young people in rural areas.

A society for all

The Red Cross in Gimo wants to create a safe and inclusive environment where newly arrived, established residents and older people can meet, build networks and support each other.

Forest walks and mountain biking in Alunda

Upplands Ekeby IF wants more people to get out into the beautiful natural areas around Alunda. That's why they are investing in new Mountain Bikes that will get more people to discover nature and form a community in a new way. At the same time, it opens up opportunities for new stretches of forest walks. It creates activities for the whole family.

Increased activity and community at Tuna gravel pitch

Tuna Parents' Association wants to increase the accessibility of the gravel pitch and beach volleyball court. This is to create a more inclusive, safer and more communal place for children and young people to gather and carry out various activities.

Processing apples into cider

Hagha local association wants to spread knowledge about cider making. By spreading knowledge about how to process apples, the association wants to create new networks and increase interest in local food production.

Mill Hill in Brottby

Össeby local history association wants to make the local history museum in Brottby an attractive meeting place. To do this, a feasibility study will be carried out to investigate whether it is possible to move an older cultural and historical building to the local history museum and whether this can become the framework for a new stage.

What is the Leader Method?

A method for rural development

The Leader method is used throughout the EU. It is based on local roots, initiative and commitment. The idea is that development of your particular place is carried out most effectively by those of you who live and work there. You are the ones who know what needs and challenges need to be met.