About this event

If you could change one thing about life in your rural community, what would it be? And what would you want to protect?

This session is part of Cambridgeshire ACRE’s Future Rural Cambridgeshire initiative, which examines the challenges and opportunities facing rural communities over the next three to five years and Cambridgeshire ACRE’s role.

Rural communities face a changing landscape: new housing and population growth, pressures on transport and local services, changes to public services and local government, and environmental and economic challenges. These changes affect places and people differently. They also bring opportunities to build on local strengths, develop new ideas and strengthen community life.

Running until March 2027, the project will bring together existing research with the experiences and ideas of residents, community groups, and organisations working in rural areas. Through surveys, workshops, and conversations, we will explore what matters now, what may become more important over the next three to five years, and where support is missing or could work better.

The aim is to turn what we learn into practical opportunities for action. The findings will help us decide where Cambridgeshire ACRE can make the greatest difference, who we should work with and which ideas to develop into future projects and funding proposals. We are starting with open questions, so your contributions can influence the priorities and ideas that emerge.

Your experience is essential. You know what makes your community special, what is difficult and what could improve. Whether you are already involved in local activities or have never taken part in a consultation before, we want to hear from you. By sharing your views, you can help ensure our work over the next five years reflects the realities and ambitions of the communities we serve.

Join us for a welcoming, interactive workshop exploring the future of rural communities across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Bring your experiences, concerns and ideas, and help shape what happens next. Your contribution will help identify the priorities that matter to rural communities and develop future support and activities.

Wray Irwin Associates will guide the conversation, supported by small-group discussions and online activities to ensure everyone can contribute. You don’t need specialist knowledge or prepared answers. Your experience of rural life matters.

Book your place and help shape the conversation around your community’s priorities.

 

Who should attend?

This session is for anyone aged 18 or over who cares about rural communities across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, including:

• People who live, work, or learn in rural communities.
• Town and parish councillors, parish clerks, and council officers.
• Village hall volunteers and community group members.
• Individuals from organisations and businesses supporting rural life.

Whether you’re actively involved in your community or simply have something you want to share, we would love to hear from you.

 

What you will get by attending

By attending, you will:

• Have your say on the issues that matter to your community.
• Share what makes your area special and worth protecting.
• Explore ideas to improve rural life.
• Hear different perspectives from people across the area.
• Help shape priorities for Cambridgeshire ACRE’s future work.

 

Cost

This event is free of charge.

 

How to book

Please follow the booking link above to register to attend. You will receive an email confirmation of your booking. Full joining instructions will be sent by email a week before the event.