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