We were commissioned to undertake this study to give Sheffield City Council a better understanding of the rural economy.

The study arose as a key action arising from the council’s Rural Communities Strategy.

It details Sheffield’s rural economy, its characteristics, the role it plays for the city, and some of the distinctive challenges and opportunities within the city’s rural communities.

We wanted a better understanding of the potential of our rural economy to inform future policies and actions that will help it to grow in an appropriate way.