Say NO To The Whinash Windfarm

REPORT ON THE WHINASH WALK
HELD ON
SUNDAY, 4th JULY, 2004

photo courtesy of Andrew Leaney

Click for a Pictorial Report of the Walk by Andrew Leaney

The former school in the pretty hamlet of Greenholme made a wonderful setting for the start of Sunday's Walk Whinash, designed to alert the public as to what could be lost for ever if the Whinash windfarm development were to proceed. This is the largest proposed windfarm in the country, covering over 5 miles of ridge with 27 x 350ft. turbines serviced by approximately 8 miles of substantial roadway.

John Dunning introduced David Bellamy and Eric Robson to an audience of over 400 who heard a powerful speech from Professor Bellamy. He questioned the wisdom of the current 'rush for wind', particularly in upland areas of great natural beauty like Whinash. The intermittent nature of power production had made users in Europe realise the expense and limitations of this form of renewable energy; yet the present British Government appeared "hell bent" upon this form of power production, with complete disregard to its effect on the countryside and the people who live there. He threatened to chain himself to one of the turbines if the Whinash development ever went ahead. Eric Robson (Chairman of the Cumbria Tourist Board) then went on to explain that Cumbria's already flagging economy would go into greater decline if its most important sector, tourism, were affected by these "whirling hill-top monsters". Importantly, he went on to say that Whinash was of pivotal importance. If such a highly controversial scheme as this were to proceed it would be virtually impossible to stop developments elsewhere in the country. Lord Lonsdale, who has been a loyal supporter of the campaign thanked all those taking part, and wished everyone well on the walk.

With these words ringing in their ears 345 registered walkers set off on 4 different walks intended to show the highly visible nature of the site. Blessed with a lovely day the participants of the high-level routes were able to see over Kendal to South Cumbria and Morecambe Bay beyond; a large section of the National Parks, including in the Dales - the Howgills, Whernside and Ingleborough; in the Lakes - all the Windermere hills and north to High Street; to the North - the Eden Valley with the Pennine backdrop well beyond Hartside; looked spectacular. In all these areas the turbines would be starkly visible.

Further groups went to study the blanket bog for which the area is now well known. Experts, including Dr. Michael Hall and Sir Martin Holdgate, explained that this was a rare habitat in world terms, meriting special European protection. Its slow formation was explained, together with the composition and flora. Apparently this area is particularly rich in sphagnum, with 10 varieties thriving; the developers had identified only 3. The considerable impact the proposed roadways and turbines might have on this delicate area was examined.

In near-perfect walking conditions the 345 participants, both local and from all parts of the country including the South, Wales and Scotland, made their way back to the school, where organisers provided tea. Such was the day that this was taken by most on the village Green at nearly 7 p.m.

The event had made a big impact on all who participated. Perhaps it was the beauty of the two valleys - Bretherdale and Borrowdale - together with the views from the ridge that left a lasting impression. One walker, Dr. Kay Little from Wales, said she had driven past on the M6 motorway many times but had absolutely no idea of what precious countryside lay beyond what she saw from her car. Another participant, the legendary Alan Hinkes who has successfully climbed 11 of the world's highest peaks, including Everest and K2, claimed that it was a long time since had had such an enjoyable day on the fells, and everything possible must be done to stop this development.

In addition to all who took part many messages of support were received from well-known individuals including Alan Titchmarsh, who said "now more than ever we need to protect the countryside from developers purporting to be 'green'; Jeremy Clarkson's comment "all hiss and wind"; The Bishop of Durham who said that whilst he was at Sedbergh School he had run on many neighbouring fells and would be sad at the loss of such beautiful countryside; John Humphrys, the "Today" presenter; Simon Jenkins, "The Times" journalist; and the writer Lord (Melvyn) Bragg. Many MPs and Peers also expressed their opposition, including David Maclean, the local MP.