Lord Ian Botham joins campaign against Hope Moor wind farm
Event aims to raise awareness about the impact of planned wind turbines
Durham cricket legend Lord Ian Botham is set to join campaigners for a walk across Barningham Moor in County Durham as part of a campaign against a huge wind farm planned for the moorland.
The former England cricketer, who lives near Richmond, is backing a campaign to stop the Hope Moor Wind Farm, which would see 23 turbines at least 200m high installed on land between Arkengarthdale and Teesdale.
The star will take part in the Walk for Hope Moor today (Sunday 11th October) organised by the Hope Moor Wind Farm Action Group.
Organisers say the event will give people an opportunity to experience the “scale, tranquillity and beauty” of the open moorland while raising awareness of their campaign.
The walk will begin at 10.30am, with registration taking place from 9.30am at Barningham Village Hall.
The event is being held under the campaign slogan “Keep Hope Moor Wild”.
Tim Wilson, from Hope Moor Wind Farm Action Group, said they hoped Lord Botham’s involvement would help raise the profile of the campaign.
He added: “There’s been a lot of commentary on the impact on the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
“Over six million people visit these areas and the wind farm would have a massive impact in terms of enjoyment, amenity, view and the reasons people visit the area.
“We’ve had very good local support and awareness. But we’re hoping an iconic figure like Lord Botham, who is very much a national treasure in many ways, and has a passion for the wildlife and countryside will be a really good voice to take it to a national level and into Westminster.”
Fred. Olsen Renewables, which is behind the Hope Moor plans, has welcomed feedback on the Hope Moor proposals and encouraged local people to have their say.
The company said the site had been selected because of its strong and consistent wind speeds, which it believes could help reduce carbon emissions and improve energy security.
It said further assessments would seek to avoid sensitive areas, minimise environmental impacts and identify opportunities for peatland restoration.
The company also expects the wind farm’s long-term carbon savings to outweigh the emissions generated during construction.