My thanks go to Adam for raising awareness of this issue via his YouTube channel. I’ve just this morning, sent my letter opposing the development of Nant Mithil Energy Park in Mid Wales.
For everything you might need to know, please take a look at the Re-Think website:
For everything you might need to know, please take a look at the Re-Think website by following this link:
From the proposals of the development to contact details. There’s even a handy AI tool that will enable you to deliver a detailed letter of objection in minutes (I must admit, I made use of this and it saved me a lot of time).
On that website, you may find that the size of the map image doesn’t clearly represent the area that is under threat. So, I’m offering to provide some clarity, using some images I’ve taken from OS Maps:
First, I’ve planted a pin on what OS Maps regards as Gilwern Hill [Powys, not Monmouthshire], to the south-east of Llandrindod Wells. You can see that there’s a lot of private land here, including the summit, with a trig point away from the nearest public right of way (a bridleway).
By cross-examining this image with the one from Re-Think, you can see that much of the Open Access Land around Careg-wiber Bank (to the north) and stretching as far south as Castle Bank.
(What you’ll come to understand with these images is that it’s a bit of an Open Access Land grab, as what has probably happened previously across South Wales.)
South-south-west of Gilwern Hill lies the market town of Builth Wells. Directly east of that and beyond two A-roads, you’ll find Aberedw Hill.
Again, this is Open Access Land and its entire area is under threat, including the outliers of Wylfre and Llan-fraith Hill. You can probably also spot the River Wye, meandering its way along between these hills and the town.
I imagine there’s currently quite a nice view of these hills from down in Builth Wells. With what’s been proposed, that could change.
Llandegly Rocks stands to the north-east of Gilwern Hill and you can imagine it’s likely terrain, from both its name and contours as featured on the map. In my mind, local to the Mendip Hills… It will be like trying to install even one 220m tall turbine on the summit of Crook Peak!
I’ve read that this hill is a place where fossils and trilobites have been discovered. I know of the names and locations featured, largely because of Mark and his Wye Explorer project.
Unfortunately, I’ve not walked in any of the areas, despite the fact that I could drive to them in two hours and I’ve had a route in mind that will include the next location, for at least a couple of years now. Already, I can feel the urgency to visit and explore, rising within me…
Then we come to the Radnor Forest, another step easy from the Llandegly. While much of the forested area is likely to be left alone, that Open Access Land is again, under threat. Some of this area is already using my the military as a firing range. Two of the local high points – Rhos Fawr and Black Mixen – sit just outside of the danger zone.
My understanding is that the Radnor Forest was once much greater than this. Like many forests around the UK; trees were once harvested in times of need, with no plans to replace them. A fair portion of the woods remain and I have had the pleasure of passing through one area. But something uncomfortable sits within me; a fear for the future of those trees that stand tall today.
As Monty commented in response a post I shared on Facebook; it’s not only the structures themselves that may cause harm but the likely infrastructure and roads that may need to be built – construction to enable construction.
Now, I’m not against the implementation of renewable energy or wind turbines. I’m not in favour of nuclear power and, for the sake of the planet, we do need to move as far from fossil fuels as we can.
I see a great hypocrisy in the push for ‘net zero’ and renewable energy sources. Some components of wind turbines are said to hold a lifespan of only ten years. After that, as we replace them, we CHOOSE not to recycle and they most likely end up in landfill… Money talks. Profits matter most.
It’s no secret that we’re being taken advantage of, financially, by these energy giants. Going green won’t instantly see our growing energy bills start to fall to levels on a par with European nations. British Gas, Scottish Power and the rest will continue to make record profits each year, along with the likes of Shell and BP. Profits to be extracted for personal, individual gain.
Around the UK, farmland is being sold off to make way for houses that seemingly cannot be built fast enough. Demand for energy and resources will only continue to grow. Aside from the natural world, advances in tech continue. Demand, demand, demand.
Why can’t we do better?
Off-shore wind farms exist at points around the UK’s geographical border. I imagine it costs more to create the foundations there, ship the materials and workers out and then, connect them to the national grid. But that has to be a better option than to keep polluting our countryside, doesn’t it?
As nuclear reactors reach the end of their lives, the contaminated components are buried deep underground and covered with square metres of concrete. Fantastic… Well done… Perhaps not that all surprising for a nation that still depends on landfill sites and tries to export a lot of recyclable waste. For profit.
I hope you’ll take a look through the proposals for the Nant Mithil idea and let your feelings be know.
Thank you for reading.
Walks With Olly 