August 6, 2014
England

Horse riders say proposed wind turbines will stop them using Berry Fen

Daniel Mansfield | Ely Standard | Tuesday, August 5, 2014 | www.elystandard.co.uk

Horse riders and dog walkers met in Haddenham to protest at REG Windpower’s plans to install three wind turbines at Berry Fen.

The group of horse riders and carriage drivers say that the 125m tall turbines would prevent them from using the byway near Berry Fen that they have used for almost 40 years.

The group say that one of the turbines will be sited just 50m away from the byway, contrary to the 200m that the British Horse Society recommends to the wind industry to ensure the safety of horses and riders in the vicinity of turbines.

One of the riders, Linda Peck, said: “I have been riding here since I was 12-years-old; in fact, three generations of my family have ridden in Berry Fen.

“It is the most peaceful and relaxing place to ride, and it would be devastating if the wind farm was built here as I struggle to ride safely around Wilburton where I live.

“I know of at least 45 riders who use Berry Fen, some coming from quite a distance away because they know it is safe and tranquil here.”

Another rider, Julia Dale, added: “I am extremely worried about the prospect of turbines being built here. The land at the edge of the Berry Fen byway falls away between 12 to 15 feet into the drainage ditch, the New Cut Drain, making it potentially lethal for a bolting horse with or without its rider in the saddle.”

The riders and walkers on the protest are urging anyone with concerns about the plans to object to East Cambridgeshire District Council, by e-mail to: plservices@eastcambs.gov.uk quoting ref: 14/00728/ESF.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/08/06/horse-riders-say-proposed-wind-turbines-will-stop-them-using-berry-fen/