Four Villages Join Lower Saxony's Rural Revival Program
The Schunter-Riede rural district has taken a major step forward in its development plans. Four villages—Essenrode, Flechtorf, Lehre, and Wendhausen—were officially admitted to Lower Saxony's Village Development Program. The initiative aims to boost rural areas while keeping their unique character intact.
The project's implementation phase has now begun, with funding applications opening soon.
In mid-February, a recognition meeting took place at the Braunschweig Regional Development Office (ArL). There, CIMA Beratung + Management presented the completed village development plan for Schunter-Riede. This marked the formal start of the programme's rollout.
A public event at the Börnekenhalle later saw responsibilities handed over from CIMA to *mensch und region*, the new implementation partner. Sabrina Schönefeld, who manages funding for the municipality of Lehre, commissioned the organisation to support the plan's execution. Funding will be available from 2025 to 2032, with the first application deadline set for September 30, 2024. Both public and private projects can apply annually by the same date. However, specific projects have not yet been announced, as the programme remains in its early stages. The goal is clear: to strengthen rural communities while preserving their individuality. The next few years will determine how these plans take shape on the ground.
The Schunter-Riede district now moves into active development, with funding applications opening this September. Over the next eight years, the programme will support projects designed to enhance rural life. Residents and local groups can submit proposals each year until 2032.
