Rural areas in focus
Rural Bath and North East Somerset comprises of a rich and diverse landscape, from the heights of the Cotswold and Mendip Hills to the plains of the River Avon. The quality and uniqueness of our landscape is officially recognised through the special designations it has been given. Within the Bath and North East Somerset border we have two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty at the Cotswolds and Mendips, Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Specially Protected Areas. The area is largely contained in and protected by the Bath Green Belt, preserving its special nature for the future.
About 28% of the population of Bath and North East Somerset live in rural areas, a total of over 47,000 people. Of this total, only 1.6% are unemployed and 61% of 16-74 year olds are economically active. Whilst agriculture is important for the rural area of Bath & North East Somerset, both in terms of the economy and its character, the greatest contribution towards employment provision comes from wholesale, retail and motor vehicle repair, real estate and manufacturing. The area has around 5000 VAT registered businesses, the majority employing 50 people or less, highlighting the diversity of employment in rural areas and the importance of small businesses. The knowledge-economy and social economy are two important growth areas.
Industry of employment in rural Bath & North East Soemrset: Census 2001
(Lowest refers to the lowest percentage recorded in any Bath & North East Somerset ward per sector
Higest refers to the highest percentage recorded in any Bath & North East Somerset ward per sector)
The sense of community in Bath and North East Somerset rural areas is maintained and increased through locally based initiatives such as the Rural Youth Voice Programme, which encourages young people to take an interest in their local area. Other local initiatives include the Market and Coastal Towns Initative which helps our rural towns and villages plan their long term future. MCTi is run by a local steering group and the plans are designed through consultation with local people, looking to improve quality of life and encourage sustainable development. Sub-regional projects also support the rural community, such as rural renaissance which aims to assist the development of a dynamic and sustainable economy in rural areas, improve access to work, education, training and re-training opportunities and encourage innovative service delivery through the development of multi-use facilities, support of Social Economy and access to ICT.