where ideas & people meet.

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

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

Emergency meeting in Nässjö

Does your association want to contribute to a safer and more resilient community? Welcome to Älgaryd on March 3rd.

Welcome Kristin Allmandinger

We are pleased to warmly welcome Kristin Allmandinger as the new project coordinator at Astrid Lindgren's Hometown.

Emergency meeting with cultivation lecture

The Umbrella Project Redo will soon open, where associations can apply for up to SEK 25,000 in support for local preparedness.
Vetlanda Municipality is first out, welcome to the information meeting on February 3rd.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Information about office opening hours during Christmas and New Year

Visit to Högsby on November 10th

Would you like to know more about rural development through Leader support? Meet us when we visit Högsby.

We are looking for course leaders for the Cultivation Academy 3.0

Astrid Lindgren's Homeland is now looking for a committed course leader for the project Odlingsakademien 3.0. The project is aimed at growers at various levels and aims to spread knowledge, inspiration and community through lectures, courses, study visits and coaching.

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.

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.

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 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.

Culture Oak

Kultureken is a cultural initiative in Fallhult outside Hultsfred that wants to strengthen and develop cultural life in the countryside.

The whole person Vetlanda

Hela Människan Vetlanda is granted support to start a social food store – a so-called Dela-butik – where surplus food is used. With funds from Leader Astrid Lindgren's Hometown, the project will contribute to reduced food waste, increased participation and strengthened social sustainability in Vetlanda.

The Coffee Barn Ännaryd

The Kaffeladan in Björköby is investing in the future with a new bakery. With support from Leader Astrid Lindgren's Hometown, the business will develop with improved production capabilities, a broader range and stronger sustainability – all to meet the growing demand from visitors.

HVGF Gymnastics Development

Vetlanda Gymnastics Association is investing in increased accessibility and the joy of movement through the HVGF Gymnastics Development project, which enables new forms of training for both children, young people and adults.

Operational project 2014-2022

Between 2014 and 2022, Astrid Lindgren's Hometown has run an operational project with a focus on local development. The work has been based on the local development strategy, which has provided goals and indicators for what we have wanted to achieve.

Recreation center and outdoor environment in Frinnaryd

Frinnaryds community center association is committed to creating a safe and vibrant leisure environment for children and young people – and a pleasant outdoor environment for the entire community.

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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