Cricket star Botham joins wind farm protest

Former England cricketer Lord Ian Botham is set to join a protest walk against plans for a wind farm on moorland near the Yorkshire Dales.

Campaigners opposing the proposed Hope Moor development on land between Arkengarthdale and Teesdale say 23 turbines more than 656ft (200m) high would harm a nationally important landscape.

Developer Fred. Olsen Renewables argues the scheme could generate enough renewable electricity to power about 135,000 homes while helping meet climate targets.

Lord Botham, who lives near Richmond, is due to take part in a walk across Barningham Moor organised by opponents on 11 October.

Campaigners have previously condemned the development as the "devastating industrialisation" of Yorkshire Dales moorland.

Organisers of the Walk for Hope Moor said the event would give people the chance to experience the "scale, tranquillity and beauty" of the moorland while raising awareness of their campaign.

Tim Wilson, from the Hope Moor Wind Farm Action Group, said Lord Botham's support could help bring national attention to local concerns.

He said: "More than six million people visit these areas and the wind farm would have a massive impact in terms of enjoyment, amenity and the reasons people come here.

"We've had very good local support and awareness, but we're hoping an iconic figure like Lord Botham, who has a passion for wildlife and the countryside, will help take the campaign to a national level and into Westminster."

Lord Botham is among several prominent figures who have backed opposition to the scheme.

Earlier this year, mountaineer Alan Hinkes OBE described the proposal as "the right development in the wrong place".

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Fred. Olsen Renewables said the site had been chosen because of its strong and consistent wind speeds and could make an important contribution to reducing carbon emissions and improving energy security.

The company said further environmental assessments would seek to avoid sensitive areas, minimise impacts on wildlife and identify opportunities for peatland restoration.

It has also encouraged residents, businesses and community groups to submit feedback as plans for the development continue to be refined.

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