The Village Alive Trust

Who we are and aims

The Project
This community trust has an ambitious programme to aid the rural economy by making the most of vernacular buildings, which would otherwise be lost along with their history and use. Starting with 3 unique buildings in north Monmouthshire, the project aims to be a model for other scattered communities in promoting sustainable, managed tourism which bridges the experience of urban and country people. There is an urgent need for community action to rescue traditional buildings at risk. Owners are unable to find capital to restore these buildings and lack the mechanisms to publicise them or to make them accessible to visitors. At the same time, visitors are becoming unsure of how to access the countryside or where they can walk or safely leave their cars. It is vital to the future well being of town and country that people continue to enjoy and appreciate the countryside and its unique heritage.

Benefit to the community
The community has responded enthusiastically to this project and already raised money and offered help in kind, which has been successful in getting EU grant. The meetings we have held have brought together neighbours who never meet socially or with a common aim to tackle important issues. Funding raising will continue for its social and well as financial outcomes.

We aim to reach our target with many small contributions, which will make the whole greater than the sum of its parts. Success in this project will encourage community action in tackling other needs such as poor transport and communication links.

A major Lammas Fair in August 2005 attracted hundreds of visitors.  Our Midsummer Revels in June 2006 featured what has become the Trust's current major project - a magnificent 17th century Barn complex, which is listed Grade 2* and is possibly the last barn of this quality in agricultural use in Monmouthshire. This same location is also to be used for a similar event in June 2008.

Evidence of Need
Much of rural Wales depends on agriculture and small tourism (B & B, Pub and holiday cottages) both of which have low rates of return. There is a vital need to introduce sustainable, higher-value activities. At present, accommodation providers rely largely on the scenery and good weather. The outcomes of the Project will extend the season by providing managed activities, such as escorted walks and visits, lectures and events that can attract visitors beyond the summer season and encourage longer stays. This is vital to sustain jobs and economic activity.

Farm incomes have been badly hit since Foot and Mouth Disease in 2001 ("total income from farming in Wales has plummeted by 64 per cent in just 2 years") . Many local pubs, a Post Office and shops have closed. At the same time, it is estimated that between 41 and 94 businesses are assisted by an average £900 a year from the activity of each farm . Local action to help the local economy thrive is a vital resource that this Project will harness.

Sustainability
The project will build in sustainability by using site sensitive materials and methods of building conservation, under the direction of a Conservation Architect. The Keeper of Social and Cultural History at the Museum of Welsh Life and Glamorgan / Gwent Archaeological Society and other experts are advising the project. The project is designed to have low maintenance costs after the end of project funding.

Is this just a local project?
No - for at least 2 reasons. Firstly, similar buildings are being lost in England and throughout Wales by conversion to holiday cottages and gentrification. Their preservation will be far more than a local attraction and will cover a wide area of interest - for example, vernacular building, agricultural history, cider making, bio-diversity, historic water supply and community action.

Secondly, the Trust monitors and evaluates its methods and outcomes to be available as a model for other rural communities to follow. The European Union funding already obtained for the project will offer a wide audience for these ideas.

Working for sustainable communities
The Trust is working with tourism and hospitality providers to publicise the area's attractions. Creating community projects and working with volunteers has important effects on reducing isolation and using hidden resources for the common good.

Evaluation of Achievements from Article 33 Project

Management

Publications: Newsletters, Press releases