Controversy surrounds a proposed wind farm on Walsham Moor. Concerns raised about environmental impact and carbon storage.
Some people are worried about the project because it could harm the valuable peatland. They fear biodiversity loss and that land use for locals could be affected, too. The area borders East Lancashire, near Trawden, Colne, and Burnley.
Some fear this wind farm might affect protected peatland, setting a bad precedent nationally. The group thinks it’s a test for other projects, but the wind farm company denies this, saying it’s a one-off thing.
A campaigner, Jenny Shepherd, has concerns that the impact on peatland would be disastrous and approving it would be shocking. She says we face climate and nature crises now, and Britain’s biodiversity loss is already bad.
Building on peatland requires draining it, wrecking the bog because wet conditions help make the peat. Without them, plants cannot survive, and no new peat forms. Drainage and drying would erode it away, destroying a protected habitat. She thinks it is just a “profit-making scam.”
Building on protected peatland is usually illegal, but new rules from a Labour government change that; exemptions may be possible for big plans. Peatlands store lots of carbon dioxide, so projects like this risk harm to carbon storage, potentially canceling out green benefits.
Jenny says the wind farm could ruin the bog, which took thousands of years to form. Drying it out releases stored carbon and stops new carbon capture.
Scientists say most wind farms on peat won’t help cut emissions by 2040, even with careful management. As the power grid gets greener, it gets even worse. Wind farms on peat would not help us reach net zero but would displace greener sources of electricity.
A politician acknowledged the need for balance between nature and clean energy. The group wants the government to close a loophole previously discussed by the Labour party, and national conservation groups share these worries.
Planning policy updates say peat soil habitats might be unsuitable, citing their role in carbon storage. The company told councillors about other plans, and this project acts as a test case soon.
The destruction poses a real threat to local communities. The moor acts as a natural flood defense, holding water like a sponge, reducing run-off and slowing floodwaters down.
A politician, Robbie Moore, wrote to other MPs asking for support on this issue. They want a petition for site protections and, if that fails, a voice in the scoping report.
Another campaigner said onshore wind farms are needed, noting that non-peatland sites are a great choice. A planning bill will guide us on building restriction rules.
The wind farm company says the plan backs government targets to double onshore wind energy by 2030. The site has great wind potential and is in a remote location, allowing for many turbines.
The company says they’re doing an iterative design accounting for technical and environmental surveys. The process will inform the number and location of turbines, as well as the turbine type choice. They’re preparing an Environmental Impact Assessment, including flood risk and other environmental assessments. They want to respect locals and the environment, so they will consult with statutory bodies and plan to consult local communities soon.