Association check environment
The purpose was to protect nature and the environment in Bergslagen. The goal was to carry out at least 14 sub-activities. The result was 15. The activities were sub-projects and were financed with the so-called "environmental check". Read about them all on this page.
The project is completed.
The environmental check with journal number 2023-1012 (Umbrella Project Association) is now completed thanks to the goal being met.
Further down the page, all 15 sub-activities are presented.
Creating a rain garden for sustainable water flow
CASE
The goal was to jointly create a rain garden around the old Bethel Chapel in Norberg, a cultural meeting place. A workshop was held on June 22, 2025 with lectures, practical work and supervision. Gutters have been built to direct water from downspouts to a pond. Rainwater barrels
have been installed and edible plants have been planted.
Purpose
The aim was to show how rainwater can be used as a resource in a simple and sustainable way. The garden also provides access to herbs, lettuce and flowers to be used in the café.
Contact
Charlotte Sakho Dyall, https://www.instagram.com/insidanut_insideout/
Sustainable farming for the village's future
CASE
The goal was to develop the co-cultivation and build a small greenhouse in the summer season of 2025. Löa co-cultivation has invested in a new greenhouse and purchased some common tools, such as shovels, grapples, wheelbarrows and an irrigation system. These
has already started to be used in the spring crop within our intercropping and will strengthen our opportunities to grow more efficiently and in the long term. We were eleven people involved in the project.
Purpose
The purpose of the project was to strengthen our local and sustainable food production on a small scale and to protect nature in Bergslagen. The project also strengthens the social community in the village.
Contact
Löa co-cultivation, Rolf Elmström
Ahead of Biological Diversity Day
CASE
Anders Geidemark and Inge Larsson arranged a seminar day in Surahammar Folkets hus. With the help of invited experts and other practitioners in forest biology and forestry, the lectures provided an interesting and informative day for the public.
Purpose
The aim was to inform the public about the debate that is particularly relevant regarding how forestry can be conducted while simultaneously taking biodiversity into account. There were nearly 180 visitors.
Contact
Anders Geidemark, nature photographer
Hiking along Bruksleden by lantern light
CASE
The scouts arranged a light trail through nature in Klackbergs nature reserve. It turned out great!
The Bruksleden trail through Bergslagen turned 50 in 2025. The scouts in Norberg had a dream of creating a beautiful experience for the people of Norberg in the forest. Being in nature and learning about nature is something we scouts enjoy doing, and spreading the joy to others. About 40 people came, many children and young people in the scout corps.
Purpose
The purpose of the project was to allow people to experience nature in a way that was perhaps new and atmospheric for them.
Contact
Norberg's scout corps, Facebook group.
Article in the newspaper Lokalt i.
Forum for underground greenhouses
Watch the recording here!
CASE
We have held a semi-digital event about buried greenhouses. The event was held physically on site at Bryggerikrogen in Nora, but was also broadcast live via Youtube. The broadcast can also be viewed afterwards via AgroÖrebros Youtube.
Purpose
By spreading knowledge about the greenhouse concept and inspiring more people to build this type of construction, the hope is that the effort will lead to more climate-neutral greenhouses being built in Bergslagen.
Background
Underground greenhouses benefit the environment by utilizing the insulating properties of the soil, which reduces energy consumption and the need for heating. They use the soil's natural moisture retention for efficient water management, often using only rainwater. The construction requires less material and can reuse resources, reducing environmental impact.
In addition, the greenhouses blend into the landscape and minimally disrupt local ecosystems, while creating a protected environment for soil organisms and contributing to biodiversity, reducing the need for pesticides.
Read more about the feasibility study on Buried greenhouses here.
Contact at Agrö East
Ecological fictions – workshops for growers in natural farming
CASE
Reza Mirabi and Khaled Abdou conducted a workshop with local growers and farmers in Bergslagen.
The topic was the method of ”natural farming.” Ecological Fiction weaves together agro-philosophical principles, tangible cultivation, and fairy tales, myths, and stories about the ability of seeds to create new worlds that preserve the diversity and health of nature.
Purpose
Using storytelling and farming culture, the organizer wanted to introduce a new agro-philosophical method to Bergslagen to show that farming can be a way to cultivate both the earth and people.
As Masanobu Fukuoka said: "The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings."“
Contact
Moss exhibitions, Stella D'Ailly
Fact and fiction in interaction – seminar day
CASE
The goal was to visit Stollberg's old mine; conducting conversations about facts, fiction, environmental debt and journalism as well as; a musical journey to the iron…
Purpose
In Bergslagen there are rich opportunities to study how the environment and landscape have been affected by the hunt for minerals over the centuries. The debate often pits the two national interests of mining and reindeer husbandry against each other. But the relationship between nature and humans affects each of us, both those living now and our descendants.
Therefore, it is important to use various means to investigate and show how humans have influenced and are influencing their environment. It is about both what we have done and what we can achieve.
Contact
The meaning of the country
CASE
The goal was to hold a public lecture program in the Teaterbiografen. The participants were Stefan Hellstrand and Ann-Helen Meyer von Bremen as lecturers and Lotta Gröning as moderator. The themes were transition, animal husbandry, agriculture, self-sufficiency, biodiversity, rural development, preparedness and cooperation.
Purpose
The aim was to create a forum with the opportunity to meet and discuss rural development issues. This forum can generate new collaborations and ideas between associations, local residents and interested parties.
Contact
The Village Laws of Flängan, Kylsbo, Karbenning and the Nature Conservation Society Norberg
Inspirational journey about recycling
CASE
Joint bus trip to Sörmland 240614 where 36 people participated. Starting in Norberg, picking up participants in Avesta, Fagersta and Surahammar.
Purpose
-Learn more about sheep, wool and the production of yarn. Guided tour at Båvens Spinneri, Sparreholm.
-See and be inspired by the creations of other craftsmen during a visit to Rademachersmedjorna in Eskilstuna. Lunch at the Jernbergska restaurant in the area.
-Learn more about recycling at the unique recycling mall Retuna in Eskilstuna. Guided tour of the operations behind the scenes. Possibility to purchase at the mall.
-With newfound knowledge and inspiration, spread and convey knowledge about wool and its uses.
-Be inspired by other craftsmen and their creations.
-Be inspired by recycling and how to build a sales business on the theme of recycling.
Biochar Valborg
CASE
This sub-activity was about celebrating Valborg in a new and more sustainable way by creating biochar together in the village.
The program was as follows: at 3:00 PM there was a dialogue and knowledge panel about biochar. Good questions and discussions. At 4:00 PM the bonfire was lit and the visitors helped to make the fire. Many conversations and new contact networks were formed. At 5-6 PM a live broadcast from Rombohöjden was carried out on YouTube with interviews and conversations. Then two apple trees were planted in chicken manure-laden biochar that will remain on Rombohöjden.
Purpose
The purpose of the project was to increase knowledge about biochar in a fun way and at the same time feel like you are saving a small part of the air we breathe and the land we protect.
The sub-activity was granted support because there is an aim to protect nature in Bergslagen by renewing the Walpurgis celebration. Instead of having a bonfire as entertainment, the opportunity is taken to convert the rice and branches into biochar.
Contact
Friends of the countryside, Rombohöjden Hällefors.
Can objects talk?
CASE
The goal was to use modern technology to tell, show and bring the region to life with its history and people. The goal of the project was also to be able to tell the region's horticultural and pomological history.
The project protects nature in Bergslagen because historical local knowledge is useful to us in our time.
Purpose
The purpose of installing a projector and screen was to connect our time with previous generations through lectures and study circles. The objects are inspiring. We can talk about hunting, fishing, weapons, agriculture, the Stone Age, livestock farming, the household, food and self-sufficiency, textile tools.
Contact
Karbennings local history association
Cabaret performance on theme day Climate Skinnskatteberg
CASE
We arranged the dance performance "Retrograd" on September 27, 2024 at Kulturhuset Korpen in Skinnskatteberg as an opening for "Climate Day" which continued the following day in the house.
Purpose
We realize that the performing arts have the ability to open up our way of looking at the world and encourage us to reflect on it together and with ourselves.
Participant
36 people in the audience, 25 of whom were girls.
Contact
Julie Paule, Skinnskattebergs Residence and National Theatre Association
Archiving project to bring cultural history to life
CASE
The goal was to Bringing natural and living environments to life in Riddarhyttan through archiving photographs from the past.
Purpose
The purpose of the project was to protect nature in Bergslagen by bringing traditional ecological knowledge and local ecological knowledge for future generations.
Contact
Riddarhyttans local history and interest association
The study trip to Rikkenstorp
CASE
We have offered association members in Bergslagen the opportunity to join us on a study trip to Rikkenstorp and hear what it's like.
to run a cooperative farm.
Purpose
The aim of the project was to protect nature by increasing knowledge about green transition. We wanted to learn more about cultivation,
social sustainability and entrepreneurship. We wanted to meet other like-minded Bergslag residents.
Participant
25 people, of which 7 men and 18 women of various ages.
Contact
Långmyra - Many streams bridge
CASE
The project's goal was to extend the usability of the ski trails, to make the wilderness around Långmyra accessible, to reduce wear and tear and disturbance to flora and fauna by strengthening bridges over intersecting watercourses and marshlands, and to create a fixed starting point at Långmyra for exercisers.
Purpose
The project aimed to protect nature in Bergslagen by adapting exercise trails to a changed climate at Långmyra.
By using the method of built crossings, we protect fragile marshland and watercourses when snowmobiles with trail machines cross these areas. […] We know that with our efforts we are better protecting nature from the uncertain temperature shifts we experience during the winter months.
Contact
About the project
Project period
2023-2026
Project owner
Leader Bergslagen LAG
Project Manager
Lars Lindblom, Chairman of LAG
lars.lindblom@samarkand2015.com
Contact the office for questions.
Web and social media
www.leaderbergslagen.eu
About the project
The LAG board has chosen to prioritize the umbrella project FÖRETAG with approval as it will in its entirety lead to goal achievement according to the local development strategy.
The project is considered to be of public benefit as the aim of the project is to stimulate small-scale local development ideas among companies. This benefits residents in rural areas.
About financing
Granted leader support
132,000 SEK
Co-financing from the EU/Swedish Board of Agriculture
SEK 268,000
Total financing
400,000 SEK
Leader support consists of funding from the EU, the state and Leader Bergslagen.
Incoming EU funds have been granted from:
Rural Development Fund
