Last summer I wondered how it would go – a call for applications for sub-projects at Upplandsbygd with a focus on nature, environment and ecosystem services was out and rippling through the digital world when everyone was on holiday. The call was due to close on 15 August and you could only apply for 25,000 SEK. Will anyone want to apply?
We knew before that sub-projects are a good way to reach local associations and small businesses – the committed people who have the initiative, but where large projects with a lot of administration feel like too big a step – at least initially. Those who apply also get a much faster response. A subproject is a limited, smaller venture that can be a first step to something bigger or a meaningful, new piece of the puzzle in a business.
A few months later, here we are. The board's appointed decision-making committee has enthusiastically reviewed the applications and decided to approve 14 new sub-projects. Hurray and congratulations! It's a win for both those who have been approved and for us. In less than a year, 14 new initiatives will have become a reality in different places in our area. These are initiatives that contribute to local food, outdoor activities, nature conservation and sustainable forestry. It will be haymaking party at Spökbacken and one new meadow at Öregrund golf course. The Hagunda area will receive a boost in its local food security – both with baking knowledge and growing vegetables. Residents of Skyttorp can enjoy the children's creations on the new Discovery Trail and use garden waste as a local resource. Year 8 students in Östhammar municipality will learn about outdoor life, food and biodiversity in a inspiring outdoor theme day. New networks of forest owners who want to work with clear-cutting forestry and forest diversification will have been created. Vallentunas and Knivsta's small-scale food producers will have become more visible and know how they can collaborate to strengthen local supply. This and much more will have happened. In less than a year.
And behind each initiative stands one or more people with the courage to take the lead and dare to try something new. Behind each initiative lies a lot of voluntary work and many more who participate in activities and meetings. Some of the initiatives will be the starting point for more activities or annually recurring events and new collaborations will be formed. The sub-projects provide space for creativity, experimentation and learning about what the good life that protects all living things can be – how it can taste, feel, sound and look. The sub-projects can support all of this! Personally, it is incredibly rewarding to have contact with so many committed and knowledgeable people in my job.
Thank you to the decision-making committee for your dedicated work. Thank you to Hanna for posting the new sub-projects on our website (more are in the works!). Thank you to all of you who dared to apply and want to make your place better. I look forward to continuing to support you in the process going forward!
Here you will find the umbrella project and links to all the sub-projects.. Enjoy reading!
My Sellberg, project manager Richer water and landscape