The main aim of the URBAL project was to develop more balanced rural and urban areas by influencing regional planning toward a less fragmented rural and urban approach. As part of this process URBAL intended to create win-win situations for both urban and rural areas and carry out strategies for implementation throughout the North Sea Region (NSR). Achievements: The project has given rise to demonstration projects for both urban and rural actors. As one example, North Yorkshire County Council (UK) has taken over the signage of cycling routes (numbering). In the next stage it is envisaged to produce a cycle route map based on numbers, taking into account the resting places and farms offering local produce and B&Bs.In the Netherlands a pilot project Youth care farms have been carried out. Therefore a special programme has started for child care on more than 20 farms, reducing the waiting list in the cities. Special attention was given to possibilities for children with autism. A three days training programme has been developed and implemented about "orientation on care farms from children; possibilities and limitations".A large number of the regional URBAL projects were practical demonstrations of new practices in regional planning and local development. The project carried out new instruments of spatial planning such as quality systems and monitoring tools. Pilot projects introduced new services of social policy, for example a volunteer centre for health care or came up with new tools of economy policy such as commercial and cultural events to promote local food products. In addition, a new network of cooperation including a platform of landscape management was formed.