LOCAL BENEFITS
At each wind farm site we design, construct and operate, our goal is to ensure that we create significant environmental, economic and community benefits at the local and global scale.
Economic Benefits
The construction and operation of our wind farms have a positive effect on the economy. In the short term, it is our policy to use local firms where practical during the construction phase and in the longer term wind farms create positive benefits through landowner rentals, farm diversification and employment of maintenance staff.
We are keen that our wind farms become a good neighbour and a positive feature of the local environment, and at each of our sites we investigate further initiatives which could provide direct benefits to local people throughout the wind farm's life.
We are happy to discuss with local communities living around Tallentire the following ideas, either as individual or combinations of benefits:
- Local Community Funds: based on an annual payment paid by the owner of the wind farm to the local community for the lifetime of the wind farm, the community fund can then be used to provide assistance and support to local projects, events and good causes. The operation and administration of a local fund is usually managed by local stakeholders. The value of the funds is related to the size of the wind farm and at Tallentire Wind Farm, we anticipate that the community fund available will be £12,000 / year.
Environmental Benefits
At the local level, by hosting a wind farm, the local communities around the proposed Tallentire Wind Farm will be making their own essential contribution to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
RES also works hard during the design phase of all its wind farms to achieve direct, local environmental benefits.
In order to protect and enhance the local environment at Tallentire wind Farm, RES is developing proposals for various mitigation measures and improvements to the site that will create an overall net gain in conservation value. We will work closely with ornithologists and ecologists to produce a Habitat Management Programme which will be implemented with the cooperation of those who use the land. Proposed measures may include replanting of hedgerows on site (with native tree and shrub species), restoration of habitats and watercourse and woodland management. Where possible, existing tracks have been used for access routes and new grassland strips and vegetation habitats will be encouraged along all tracks, providing habitat for animals and insects. We have specifically sought to minimise passing through any hedges on site, thereby helping to protect a valuable local ecosystem. In addition, the timing of any work carried out will be planned so as to keep disruption to a minimum. Overall the improvements will provide many beneficial consequences for wildlife on Tallentire Hill.
Social Benefits
RES works hard to involve local communities in all our planned wind farms. Our community consultation includes providing literature and newsletters, holding local information days and talks to local organisations and schools and tours of operating wind farms.
Our operating wind farms attract interest from locals and visitors alike and are a useful educational resource, assisting in raising awareness of climate change and clean energy solutions among the local and wider community. In particular, RES holds site open days and engages with schools and young people, organisations and professional groups to help to help raise awareness of sustainability issues and the role of wind energy in tackling climate change.
RES is also keen to explore other options for local social benefits. For example, on operational projects we have provided financial support for local groups and we hope to support a green tourism initiative at one of our sites currently in development. Other ideas which can be explored may involve supporting community energy efficiency actions or small scale renewable energy initiatives such as micro wind turbines, solar panels and wood fuel heating for schools.
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| Local benefits of the proposed wind farm
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