where ideas & people meet.

Together for the development of sustainable & attractive rural areas in Astrid Lindgren's Hometown. With courage, wisdom & ingenuity!

Astrid Lindgrens Näs och Odlingsakademien sommaren 2026

The Cultivation Academy at Näs

During the summer season of 2026, the Cultivation Academy's film about cultivation on nature's terms will be shown at Astrid Lindgren's Näs in Vimmerby.

Trädgårdsbesök Bolsgården, Trollslända Lunden & Ödevata

Three garden visits

In August and September, the Cultivation Academy 3.0 organizes educational and inspiring garden visits in Ramkvilla, Järnforsen, and Ödevata.

Preparedness meeting September 15

Associations in Högsby municipality and the part of Oskarshamn municipality that belongs to Astrid Lindgren's homeland can apply for up to 25,000 kronor through the project Ready this autumn.

Information session in Vimmerby September 3

Does your company or association have an idea, a need, or a dream for the community? Come and discuss ideas, opportunities, and the future with us at Astrid Lindgren's Hembygd.

Lunch webinar August 26

Do you have an idea for your community, association, or activity? Spend lunch with us and discover what opportunities exist through leader.

Happy summer from us

Astrid Lindgren's Hometown wishes you all a very happy summer. The office will be closed for the holidays during weeks 28-31.

Approved leader checks Living Rural Areas

New ideas are on the way to becoming reality! We have now approved several leader checks within the umbrella project Living Rural Areas and look forward to following the development around the area.

Webinar June 4 – Preparedness and drinking water supply

Welcome to a digital webinar

Notice of annual meeting 2026

A warm welcome to the Astrid Lindgren Hometown Association's annual meeting on April 22 at Mossebo Guesthouse.

Search leadercheck within Living Rural Areas

We at Astrid Lindgren Hembygd have now opened up the opportunity to apply for leader checks within our umbrella project Living Rural Areas.

Applications through Redo now open for Vetlanda Municipality

Over 50 committed participants gathered for an evening about local preparedness - and now associations in Vetlanda municipality can apply for up to SEK 25,000 for preparedness initiatives through the umbrella project Redo (apply by March 31, 2026).

Emergency meeting for Aneby and Eksjö

Does your association want to contribute to a safer and more resilient countryside? Welcome to Norrby ängar on March 24th

Film – Astrid Lindgren's Hometown

The Astrid Lindgren's Hometown Association works with rural development through the Leader method.
We support companies and organizations that have new project ideas that benefit the municipalities that are part of Astrid Lindgren's Hometown.

Please watch our film to find out more!

Project map

A selection of our projects

Astrid Lindgren's Hometown supports projects where businesses, non-profit and public organizations work together to develop their rural areas. Here you will find our ongoing and completed projects, which we hope will inspire more ideas!

This is how it goes

Getting started

Do you have an idea? Read more about project support from Astrid Lindgren's Hometown or contact us and we'll see if it could become a leader project.

Writing an application

The next step is to write an application where you clearly describe the idea and what needs to be done. Of course, we are there to provide sound advice!

Implement

If your application is approved, it's time to get started! Follow the project plan and contact us if you have any questions.

End

When the project is completed, it's time for the final report. We, and many others, are curious about how it went.

Preschool in Björkfors

In Björkfors, local forces are coming together to create conditions for a new preschool. Through the project, facilities are being upgraded for preschool activities – an important investment for families with children and for the continued development of the community.

Aneby place brand

Aneby municipality, together with residents, businesses, and associations, will develop a common place brand for Aneby.

Åsen 2.0 – Enhanced experience

The village of Åsen is developing the visitor experience by creating more period-typical living environments and improving access to nature around the cultural reserve.

Studiebesök Odlingsakademien Bolsgården Skärbäck Ramkvilla Vetlanda

Regenerated IO

The project will develop a digital tool that helps farmers plan, map, and manage agroforestry systems. By combining modern technology with regenerative agriculture, the project aims to make it easier to cultivate with greater biodiversity and increased resilience.

Development of outdoor environment Malmbäck

A new and accessible outdoor environment is being created around rental apartments in Malmbäck to increase safety, community, and quality of life.

Partnership for the future – youth and adults in collaboration

When young people are allowed to shape their community, a stronger local society is created. The project will develop new methods for participation and collaboration that give young people a clearer voice in community development.

Development of the Välen bathing area

Välenbadets camping is granted support to develop the bathing area at Lake Välen into a pleasant, safe and accessible environment for both tourists and people living in the area.

The Redo emergency preparedness project

The umbrella project Redo supports local initiatives that strengthen preparedness, security and collaboration in our rural areas. Through leader checks, associations are given the opportunity to develop safety points, emergency plans and other initiatives that make rural areas better equipped for future crises.

Mellingerum's lodge

The project develops Mellingerum's Berry and Vegetable Farm by creating a flexible venue for weddings, conferences and courses. The investment broadens the business and enables year-round activities. The project strengthens collaborations with local actors and contributes to increased tourism. The goal is a more sustainable and attractive business with multiple revenue streams.

Development Richts Konditorii

A classic patisserie in Kisa is taking the next step in its development through a smart investment that elevates both quality and experience. With a new custom-made stand, more products can be offered in the right way – which both reduces waste and gives customers an even better selection.

Local place development in collaboration

The project strengthens local place development in Vetlanda through collaboration between the municipality, residents, associations and the business community. Together, methods and strategies are developed that take advantage of each place's unique identity and contribute to attractive and sustainable local communities.

Gym equipment 65+

Myresjö IF is developing a new accessible gym with a special focus on training for the elderly (65+), but open to all ages. The initiative creates new opportunities for training, rehabilitation and community at home for better health and a more active life in the countryside.

What is the Leader Method?

What is Leader?

Leader is a method for rural development that was introduced by the EU in 1991. The method focuses on local ownership, initiative and commitment. The idea is that development of your particular place is most effectively carried out by those of you who live and work there – by you, your association, local businesses and other organisations. You are the ones who know what needs and challenges need to be met.

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