Wind Farms – 2

We last considered wind farms in any depth back in June. Then, we felt that the issues were polarised but that we ourselves were somewhat to blame – as we continue to demand electricity to run our gadgets and our lives. We made reference to one person’s view of the industrialisation surrounding wind farms as “the most vicious attack on our country since Edward I” for what were “trifling environmental benefits”.

Subsequently, inspectors granted permission for a small farm above Gwyddelwern.

At the end of this week, there’s to be a public meeting in Clocaenog to consider what residents feel about the potential for an alarming increase in the number of turbines in Clocaenog Forest. Reports suggest the number is up to 100 turbines. It’s an area earmarked for much expansion, as the Welsh government pushes for greener energy.

Can Clocaenog be accused on ‘nimbyism’? Should Rhuthun be concerned? After all, the upland afforested area west of Rhuthun is already ‘industrial’ in terms of logging.

Yet, it’s easy to have some sympathy with the people of Clocaenog. The resultant blot on the landscape will affect them even more than those driving over the Clwydians from the east, seeing turbines dominating the distant landscape above Rhuthun.

Then there’s the destruction of a natural landscape, if coniferous forest can really be classed as ‘natural’. Whatever your views on the type of tree there grown, it is reputedly Wales’ only haven for red squirrel (has anyone seen one?) plus dormouse, newts, bats, otter, hare, adders and pine marten. Replacing conifers with turbines is most certainly industrialisation in the crudest sense. Pines they may be (yes, some larches, too), but they are organic. They offer an under-exploited playground. What effect will unnatural wind farms have on the fragile tourist industry of Hiraethog?

Up to half of Cloacaenog could be clear felled. Mass clearances cause local drainage problems. Who knows what effect this will have down stream in Rhuthun, already potentially at risk of flooding.

What about economic benefits? Wind farms export energy but with minimal if any local employment. It’s true that in the last twenty years the number of foresters has dwindled drastically. The wind farms promise *nothing* locally in return – no jobs at all.

They also say that noise is worse not near the site itself but in valleys and hollows beneath. In that sense, Clocaenog’s residents may be in for a shock. Those who cannot see the turbines are likely to hear them – 24/7/365. Is it fair to subject Clocaenog to what amounts to noise pollution for the sake of the common good?

Ah, the common good. Britain’s been talking about renewable energy since the 1970s but little has actually come of it. Now, whenever someone considers a scheme, there are invariably environmental counter-objections. The government will need to balance the two environmental issues carefully.

But there’s already a sense that Caerdydd/Cardiff has made its decision, irrespective of the environmental benefits or otherwise for the common good or to the locality.