What really happened during the year?
The year 2025 is drawing to a close, and it usually makes sense to look in the rearview mirror to see what actually happened. And what a year it was!
The year began with a study on whether blue mussels from the Baltic Sea and insect larvae can be used as feed. Then Richard Tellström lectured on sustainability – and reminded us that the issue is much more complex than just eating vegetarian. He also took the opportunity to wonder where the Swedish preservation culture has gone in a country that really needs it.
Linda Magyar inspired many with their insights into forest gardens and horticulture, and in Björklinge continued the development of the place we love. In April, everyone got the chance to taste Vallentuna, and in May the national rural week began. Then we arranged talks in Östhammar and Uppsala, one writer's cottage in Vallentuna and one Kick-off meeting on food preparedness in Sigtuna – a theme that then followed us through the rest of the year.
The traditional annual meeting took place in Sigtuna during the beautiful month of May, and on Gimo Square was where people gathered to talk about leisure, commitment and ideas. The summer finale was a field trip with the theme of carbon storage in agriculture, and several Calls for proposals for subprojects were opened.
This rich range of activities and networking meetings is made possible through our three own networking and skills development projects: We Ecopreneurs, with a focus on economic sustainability, We Community Creators, which promotes social sustainability, and We Planet Caretakers, with a focus on ecological sustainability.
Through these initiatives, we create space for collaboration with you in our network where we can develop relevant and meaningful meetings tailored to your specific needs and interests. That said, please feel free to contact one of our three project managers if you have ideas for themes or activities that would benefit you here in Upplandsbygd!
Then came the autumn, which began with a steady stream of sub-project applications – over 50! So far, over thirty have been granted and you can read more about the exciting projects here!
The work in both Gimo and Sigtuna continued with full force and The Stockholm meal, prepared from local ingredients, was enjoyed in Vallentuna.
The year-end meeting was held in Sigtuna and served as a warm-up for the the big, annual conference a month or so later. At the conference we met a multitude of different small-scale players in our local food chains and also came to the conclusion that local food is a highly topical emergency issue. Towards the end of the year we had meetings both about contingency farming and coal storage, and we also started sincrease after villages that want to develop local, smart strategies and participate in an international project.
To our delight, we also have several large and long-term projects to look forward to that have been approved during the year; Tree tent in Knivsta, Lilla Garn Nature Park, Marking of the pilgrimage route and Skyttorp forest garden.
What a year!
January-February 2026
Calendar
January 28 - Digital information meeting on implementation and reporting of sub-projects
February 1st - The application period for new subprojects begins!
February 4-Digital information meeting about "Young Planet Steward"”
February 11-Digital writing studio for new subprojects
New subprojects to apply for soon!
Smart local solutions (Application period February 1- March 15)
The sub-projects strengthen the region by promoting innovative thinking and local action. There is scope here to test new service solutions that reduce environmental and climate impact. The sub-projects can also introduce working methods that can improve the quality of life for the entire region. This makes it possible for smaller players to realize their ideas and contribute to positive local development.
Young Planet Caretaker (Application period February 1-28)
With Ung Planetskötare we want to give young people and young adults in our area the chance to take a place, influence and create real change for nature and the environment. Here, young people (under 25 years of age) are given both the opportunity and support to realize their own project ideas and take part in initiatives that strengthen their faith in the future. The goal is to strengthen their practical knowledge in the nature and environmental field and their ability to run projects that make a difference.
Shorter food chains (Application period 1 February - 15 March)
Shorter Food Chains shines a light on what is closest to us: the food we eat and the local production and processing that makes it possible. The project supports initiatives that shorten food chains, strengthen local production and make it easier for consumers to choose food from the local area. The sub-projects make local food available, increase the local economy and make us more robust and independent in times of crisis or change.
From all of us, to all of you, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!