Leaders from local government, farming, infrastructure, academia and business have lobbied for a positive future for rural Wales and the borderlands at the Senedd.
Representatives from the Marches Forward Partnership (MFP), spanning Powys, Monmouthshire, Herefordshire and Shropshire, were joined by organisations including NFU Cymru, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water and SP Energy Networks.
At a meeting on Wednesday 30 September, they highlighted how the region can help strengthen food security, water resilience, energy security and economic growth.
Against a backdrop of increasing flooding, prolonged dry periods and a growing risk of wildfires, speakers stressed that tackling climate and environmental challenges can also generate jobs, attract investment and create opportunities for rural communities.
At the same time, the Marches Food Partnership has been working to improve food security. This has recently been given a boost with news of £1.4m National Lottery funding, an example of the benefits of Marches organisations working together.
Abi Reader, President of NFU Cymru, said: “Food security is a national resilience issue, and farmers have a critical role to play in meeting that challenge. It was encouraging to be part of a discussion that recognises the links between food, water, climate resilience and economic growth. Working together across sectors will be essential if we are to build a more resilient future.
“All too often we often debate the cost of action. What is talked about less frequently is the cost of inaction and that is what is being addressed here.”
Alun Shurmer, Chief Strategy Officer for Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, said: “The MFP Business Resilience Coalition memorandum of understanding reflects a shared understanding that the cost of inaction is rising, and that collaboration at a regional, cross-border scale is now essential.
“We are all experiencing the same problems, but coming at them from different angles while hoping to achieve the same outcomes. This is a real opportunity for collaboration.”
Nia Lowe, Head of DSO at Scottish Power Energy Networks, added: “We are all facing big challenges but if we are collaborative and innovative we can open up better investment opportunities. We see this project as an enabler that brings more certainty and certainty brings investment.
“Skills are vital to rural communities, helping people see a future locally rather than having to move away.”
Cllr Jake Berriman, Leader of Powys County Council, said: “The Marches should not be defined by its challenges, but by its opportunities. We have the land, the businesses, the skills, the natural assets and the cross-border partnerships needed to help address some of Wales’ biggest priorities.”
Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, Leader of Monmouthshire County Council, added: “Across our region we are already demonstrating what can happen when public, private and academic partners work towards a shared vision. Today’s event showed there is growing momentum behind that vision and we want national support to help it succeed.”
The event highlighted practical work already underway to support flood resilience, environmental investment, rural innovation and sustainable growth. Partners will continue the conversation at Westminster on 19 October, when they will be seeking greater investment rural innovation and growth, as well as presenting a request for £2.5m from UK Government.
