The RDPE Network

Our Network aims to support the delivery of the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE). This brings into effect in England the rural development priorities or “axes” of the European Union Rural Development Regulation.

Why the Network?

The role of the RDPE Network is to support the delivery of the programme through:

• Providing tools and opportunities for those involved in RDPE to share their ideas, practice and experience;
• Operating across the four axes and link information at EU, UK, national and local levels; and
• Working with existing information exchange mechanisms and networks, to avoid duplication and maximise joint opportunities.

The role of the Unit is to facilitate networking activities and co-ordinate services to stimulate the exchange of your ideas and experience.

Meet the Network Unit

The new Defra Rural Communities Policy Unit has been tasked to act as the Network Unit to co-ordinate the RDPE Network a requirement of the European Rural Development Regulation. The role of the Unit is to facilitate networking activities and co-ordinate services to stimulate the exchange of your ideas and experience.

The diagram below shows some of the services offered by the Network.

Links to the UK & Europe

Rural development programmes are in place in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and other EU member states, with networks set up to support these programmes. The UK National Rural Network (UK NRN) has been created to link the four UK country networks, enabling them to share good practice, experience and lessons learnt. For the same reason, the European Network for Rural Development (EN RD) links the networks of all member states of the European Union.