2004

Where can wind energy be used?
1 November 2004

Jill Perry is a leading member of Friends of the Earth West Cumbria. She kindly talked to us about her experiences campaigning for renewable energy.

Ecowarrior: Jill Perry (left)

When did you begin campaigning?

I started campaigning against the underground dumping of nuclear waste in our area back in 1997.

My campaigning grew from there to support for other energy types that would be less damaging to the environment.

Do you feel that wind farms are the answer to tackling climate change in the UK?

As the most technically mature and commercially viable renewable energy option available at the moment, they are part of the answer.

We also need to encourage biomass, wave power and other renewable technologies. I certainly don't want to see a revival of the nuclear industry.

Have you noticed peoples' views changing?

The local CPRE are largely opposed to wind farms in Cumbria because it's a rural county.

However a study into attitudes to wind farms done for Friends of the Lake District showed that 87 per cent of visitors and tourists in Cumbria liked wind farms. The problem is that supporters are quiet, while opponents are vociferous.

What opposition do you come up against?

There is a strong link between opponents of wind energy and supporters of the nuclear industry. And in our area, there are people who believe the landscape is worth protecting above all else.

Of course wild landscape is valuable but there has never been a windfarm proposal that would have damaged the best of our wild landscapes.

How do you go about raising local support?

We have attended public meetings, presented evidence to public inquiries and written letters supporting wind farms to newspapers and the local authority.

What successes have you had?

West Cumbria Friends of the Earth have supported 11 wind farms of various sizes, on and offshore, in rural and semi-urban areas. Of those, five have gone ahead and two are consented but not yet built.

Have you taken on the Climate Challenge?

We have signed the climate challenge to try to persuade 50 people to buy green energy from one of the four companies recommended.

What are your future plans?

I'm currently involved with a community project to build an integrated renewable energy scheme - wind, biomass and animal byproduct .

Do you have any advice for others?

Be brave and remember that most of the arguments against wind turbines just don't stand up.

More information

If you are inspired by Jill's story, why not take on your own Climate Challenge?

If you want to find out more about wind energy, visit:

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