UP! - North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

its kitchen; and an array of solar cells at
the farmhouse. “Generating its own energy
gives independence and stability for a rural
business,” says Jason Ball of Sheepdrove,
“but we have to respect the limitations of a
very special landscape character, rich in
cultural and natural heritage.”
The North Wessex Downs AONB has
already published guidance on the
sensitivity of local landscapes to wind
turbines, while a position statement on
renewable energy schemes is being
produced.
As well as guidance, the North Wessex
Downs AONB has provided positive
support through its SDF grants. For
example, the Goring and Streatley
Sustainability Group plans to harness
the Thames to produce clean, green
hydro-electric power from its local weirs
46 | UP! On The North Wessex Downs
(pictured) for more than 500 homes.
Other smaller hydro-electric projects
are currently being considered on the
River Kennet.
European LEADER funding has assisted
groundsource heating at Milton Lilbourne
village hall and businesses like Wessex
Biofuels, Thomas Owen, the Seasoned
Timber Company and Frank Haighton
Forestry as they expand to supply a
growing wood fuel market.
These examples show how, with careful
thought, renewable energy can work in the
North Wessex Downs AONB without
harming the natural beauty of the
landscape.
Next time that ever-rising fuel bill drops
through your door, why not ‘think global,
act local’ and consider taking control of
your own energy production?
“In years to
come they
won’t be
alternative
energy sources,
they’ll be the
ordinary ones.”
Jason Ball,
Sheepdrove
Organic Farm