BBC Interview on Future Windfarms

 Following on from the Government change in onshore Windfarm rules, we were contacted by a BBC reporter to have a zoom meeting with him to discuss the issues of onshore wind farms with Horses.

Gill spent 10 minutes with the reporter explaining how horses are flight animals and how any new wind turbines needed to be carefully sited so that they did not interfere with existing Public Rights of Way (PRoWs). She explained how the initial Scout Moor Wind Farm had sited a turbine in a position where it would suddenly loom into view when riding the National Mary Townley Loop Trail. This Trail is used not just by local riders Some horses will tolerate the noise and shadows from turbines but not all horses will. It is important that this latter group is not stopped from using existing PRoWs due to future development. If the Wind Farms can provide easy access for horses onto the maintenance tracks, thus providing further safe off-road routes for those horses who can tolerate the turbines, this would be a welcome addition but they should ensure that existing PRoWs are not be affected. The timid horses should not be discriminated against and loose existing safe off-road riding. This is particularly important for the younger riders. It would be acceptable if the existing PRoWs are diverted to a safe path traversing a similar route provided this is done before any turbines are erected.

A small part of the interview was aired as part of a discussion with Mike Sweeney on BBC Radio Manchester on Wednesday 6th September at around 12.15. You can listen to it below for anyone interested.