The wind of change causes heated debate
by Tony Carver
February 06, 2009
The hugely topical subject of ‘Renewables’ was the theme of this year’s annual conference at Pershore College organised by the NFU’s Pershore and Upton-on-Severn branch and sponsored again by property consultants, Carver Knowles and local accountants, Crowthers.
Over the years the conference has developed a reputation for debating a variety of subjects affecting the rural community however on this occasion the topic generated considerably more interest than usual due to the relevance of the topic in the immediate locality. Those attending the conference found themselves walking through a daunting crowd of protesters getting their views over concerning Scottish Power Renewables proposals for a large scale wind farm at Lenchwick.
The conference itself was addressed by four speakers who dealt with the issue from different angles but all focused on the urgent need to develop sustainable energy resources. Sir Ben Gill introduced the topic with an overview of the many issues that need to be addressed to safeguard agriculture in the future, most notably highlighting the world wide shortage of water.
Dr Jonathan Scurlock, the NFU’s chief policy adviser on such issues outlined their policies on developing and promoting renewable energies, whilst advising and representing the farming community.
It was with personal interest that a handful of the 160 guests present listened to an informative presentation by David Walker, Project Director for Scottish Power Renewables. Mr Walker outlined the process they go through with the planning and implementation of wind farm projects in the UK and provided an update on the time table for the proposed site at Lenchwick, just north of Evesham.
Dr Mike Carver representing Bical provided an overview of their role in the production of the energy crop, miscanthus and invited farmers to consider growing the crop. This topic raised numerous questions from the floor as those present explored the possibilities for their personal situations.