Vydmantai: A community that grows together with wind farms

Vydmantai is a village located between Palanga and Kretinga, where people know each other on a first-name basis. They come together not out of a sense of duty, but out of a desire to create a place where life is good, where traditions are born, and where even small initiatives grow into big decisions. Over many years, the community has grown from a small village into a place where human connection and mutual trust are paramount. In recent years, Ignitis Renewables, a leading green energy company in the Baltics, has contributed to this growth. The company knows local residents not only as neighbours, but also as partners.

A community that brings people together

“I am proud to be a part of the Vydmantai community. I am not afraid to say that I live in a village because I have everything nearby – the sea, my work, and the people are so warm towards, even if you meet a stranger. This place is dear to my heart. Generally, it’s a peaceful life, but you also feel progress, growth. The thing that we are slowly building has great value. The village is becoming more vibrant and beautiful every day,” says Simas Končius, Vydmantai village community chair.

This relationship with a place builds identity. It’s not just an address, but a common experience. Here, people build a fulfilling life. They raise children, take care of the environment and create traditions. “Vydmantai is my hometown, the place where I grew up and where I still want to stay. It's great to live here, work and spend time with your own,” adds the Community Chair.

Even though Vydmantai have no old traditions passed on throughout generation, today it is one of the most united communities in the region.

“People came here from different corners of Lithuania, but it didn’t take long form them to become a family. What amazes me is that, even though residents came here from all around Lithuania and brought their customs, they still managed to come together. They are very stubborn. If they decide to do something, no one will stop them. Their grit is inspiring and it's a great gift to know these people,” tells Karolis Petravičius, Vydmantai parson.

This community is like a small anthill

The sense of community in Vydmantai comes from small but meaningful things, such as sharing, hubbub and gatherings. “I was born here and went to the local school and kindergarten. Now I work at the library. This place is my life. The library has been open for 75 years, and even if people nowadays read less, they still come here to hang out. We organise workshops, events, we dye eggs before Easter, we weave wreaths. Sometimes the hubbub is so great that the library turns into a small celebration – and that is probably the most beautiful part,” says Milda Rogačiovienė, librarian at the Vydmantai branch of the M. Valančius Public Library.

This year, the library launched a programme of creative and physical activities that encourages local residents to get together and learn new things while discovering the joy of working together.

Next to the library that's pulsing with life, stands Vydmantai Gymnasium, a place where all generations meet. “The gymnasium is my second life. I work here since 1987, and I see every day the strength of the people and the warmth shared between them. We know every child from, first grade to twelfth grade, we know their families, their grandparents, we see how they grow up. Close relationships are the source of our unity,” says Rasa Stonkuvienė, Vydmantai Gymnasium Headmaster.

The rhythm of the village is complemented by communal celebrations. Every year we organise a Vydmantai grill party. This year will be the 10th anniversary. “On that day all residents of Vydmantai come together and bring music, games and smiles. Some years the funds we gather go to the construction of the church, in other years they are used for community needs. Each bench, each detail here is made by the hands of our people,” says the community chair.

He used the spirit of the community to launch another initiative, called ‘Let Vydmantai bloom’. “I asked for the support of local business. We bought several dozen flowerpots, gave them to the people and told them to plant flowers so everyone could enjoy them. Today we have over 100 flowerpots with blooming flowers. As you drive along Vydmantai, you can see that people are taking care of their environment, nurture beauty and share it with others,” he says.

Vydmantai residents say that their community reminds them of an anthill, which is small but very lively. Here, everyone has their role, works together, and joint efforts create great things. It is no coincidence that the ant has become a symbol of the community – it reminds us that every contribution, no matter how small, helps the whole village to grow.

Being good neighbours with Ignitis Renewables helps grow even more

The wind turbines spinning in Vydmantai have become not only part of the landscape, but also part of the community's history. When Ignitis Renewables offered financial support a few years ago, residents were pleasantly surprised. “Usually, we have to ask for financial support ourselves, but this time it was different. They came to us offering help. Ignitis Renewables told us, “We are your neighbours, so let us help you.” Sincere actions build trust quickly, and sincerity is native to our community. We are partners for four years now,” shares S. Končius.

“Unity must be built naturally through open conversations, joint decisions and a wish to have more beautiful lives. That is why Ignitis Renewables, which is developing a wind farm near Vydmantai, has become a neighbour, rather than a guest. It all starts with listening, understanding what make local people tick and what is important to them. When ideas are created together, they last longer. The relationships are at the core of being good neighbours, when energy connects people,” says Emilija Musteikytė, Communities Engagement Team Lead at Ignitis Renewables.

During this time, joint efforts have resulted in the creation of new places in Vydmantai that are important to residents. In the evening, they shine not only in the literal sense. With the financial support received, solar-powered lights were installed in the recreation area, adding a cosy atmosphere to community events. The abandoned area next to the gymnasium has been cleaned up and an outdoor stage has been built there, where concerts, celebrations, and performances are held. “Where there used to be shrubbery, families now gather, concerts and celebrations take place. Light fixtures installed at the swimming area allow evenings to be extended until dusk. When people return from emigration and say, “How beautiful it is here,” you realize that everything is done for that reason,” he tells us.

Financial support granted by Ignitis Renewables has also reached other areas, such as education and spiritual life. Thanks to the efforts of the Vydmantai parish and community, an exceptional project is being built here – a new church. Ignitis Renewables has been supporting this community initiative for three years now – it helped install electrical networks and contributed to the installation of the facade and doors.

On the initiative of the community, an application for financial support was submitted for the Vydmantai Gymnasium grounds, where a dome was installed using the funds. It has become a new attraction as it is being used for educational activities, meetings, and mental health classes. “When we learned that our school can receive financial support from wind farms, we did not hesitate to apply. This is how the dome came to be, where lessons, games, and educational activities take place. The kids love it, especially in spring, when it’s still cold outside, but the dome warms up from the sun rays. Library events and community activities come together here. We all feel like a part of one big team,” summarised R. Stonkuvienė, Vydmantai Gymnasium Headmaster.

Along with the dome, the school's infrastructure was also improved – the interior was renovated, the stadium was refurbished, and a volleyball net was installed to make the school stadium safer and more convenient.

The partnership between Ignitis Renewables and Vydmantai continues – the community has installed an outdoor stage and a modular house. There you can store the equipment needed for events, gather together and prepare for celebrations. New outdoor furniture and a gazebo were also added – everything you need to get together, have fun, and spend time together.

“In places such as Vydmantai, it is particularly evident that renewable energy and people can go hand in hand. Next to wind farms, places are being revived by the residents themselves – with their ideas, work, and joint initiatives. Every tidied corner, every celebration or gathering place becomes a symbol of shared energy. It is important for us to be good neighbours who not only produce green energy, but also contribute to the creation of vibrant, active places. Over three years, Ignitis Renewables has provided over EUR 222,000 in financial support to the communities of Vydmantai,” says Emilija Musteikytė, Communities Engagement Team Lead at Ignitis Renewables.