Building a dry-stone wall in a muddy field in west Devon would seem to have little to connect it to Rio de Janeiro. But a scheme to sustain west country crafts and training programmes - such as horse osteopathy, hedge-laying and forestry - has its roots in the Brazilian city.
The link is the Earth summit, held in Rio 10 years ago. The gathering of world leaders led to a commitment to sustainable development and what was called a "local agenda" for the 21st century to urge local authorities to work with their communities on creating a good quality of life in a healthy environment for generations to come.
For Oz Osborne, a former social worker with people with special needs, the summit was the inspiration to set up practical projects to meet real community need. The projects are all run by West Devon Environmental Network (West Den), a charity which promises to tackle economic, environmental and social issues in a way that enhances the environment and leads to thriving local communities. Or, in short, it helps the community help themselves. The charity's pioneering work has won international recognition, with similar projects having been set up in the Ukraine and Albania.
Launched in 1994, the charity is based in Tavistock, a market town 15 miles north of Plymouth. Traditional industries such as tin mining have long gone, to be replaced by service industries. Farming remains a mainstay, but although there is still a weekly sheep and cattle market, the area was hit hard by last year's foot and mouth epidemic and is going through a period of recession and change.
Osborne recalls the charity's initial plans for an emphasis on "green issues" and recycling. These were thrown out when research showed that people were interested in a wider range of issues aimed at safeguarding their environment. What followed was an unusual consultation process - including theatre performances and presentations at tea dances - that resulted in a set of principles governed by sustainability. Among these are a louder voice for young people and limits on use of natural resources.
Ideas for projects have emerged through regular consultation exercises. The number of staff working for the charity has grown from one to 31. Funding has come from a variety of sources, including the EU regional development fund.
A typical scheme is the Ley of the Land youth project, which works with young people in danger of leaving the district in search ofwork. "Most go into tailor-made rural skills courses, after which many find jobs or set up business," says Osborne. Courses on offer include hedge-laying, woodland management, organic growing, welding and rural crafts. There are also courses in business skills, local food production and first aid. Help is given with basic literacy and numeracy.
Getting There is another project aimed at young people aged 16-25, who have particular transport problems. Scooters are loaned out and driving lessons are given to those in real need. "Many live in outlying villages, which might only be served by one bus a week," says Max Jowett, project manager. "On top of that, they may have a three-mile walk to the bus stop. Not surprisingly, it's very difficult for them to get to work. They may be forced to rely on their families and friends - and arrangements often break down."
Young people are not the only beneficiaries of West Den projects. Following the foot and mouth out break, which devastated west Devon, the Rural Skills Project was set up to provide training for the over-30s. Launched in January, it has already recruited 85 people to more than 130 courses. Former public relations officer Jane Moseley has completed a JCB course and learned how to build a dry-stone wall. "I want to do something practical and I feel lucky to have found West Den, which has put the training and contacts in a framework. I am far happier now than I've ever been," she says.
Help is also directed at whole communities through "community animateurs" - a team of facilitators who respond to local needs. Last year, more than 50 groups were supported, with staff offering advice about funding and help with business plans. Assistance has also been given with fundraising to set up a range of projects, from playgroups to a farmers' market in Tavistock.
Osborne hopes to expand West Den into parts of north Devon and north Cornwall. With a turnover of more than £350,000, there are also proposals to make the operation a charitable company. This would involve creating a trading arm, which could provide more job opportunities for people in the area.
"There are exciting times ahead," says Osborne. "We have achieved an awful lot in eight years, but there is still much we can do to make things better for our great-grandchildren."
· West Devon Environmental Network is on 01822-618068 or at: www.westden.co.uk
