Wind sector defends FiT subsidy exploitation claims
Wind energy is enabling many farmers to
not only diversify and earn extra income,
but to increase their energy and financial
security for the future. Olivia Midgley
went to meet Richard and Debbie
Symes to see how their wind turbine has
transformed their Suffolk farm.
RICHARD Symes is understandably
proud of the 275kW turbine which
towers over his arable fields.
Standing at more than 55 metres (180ft)
high, the Vergnet turbine generates
enough power in the year to satisfy the
electricity needs of 170 homes.
By exporting the electricity to the
national grid, Mr Symes and his wife
Debbie are enjoying another income
stream at the side of their arable and
equestrian enterprises.
Mr Symes says: “We went for the
biggest one we thought we could get on
the site.
“It would have been much easier to get
planning permission for a turbine which
was smaller like 10 or 15kW, but putting
up a 15kW was hardly going to change
our life in terms of the amount of money
it will earn and the amount of difference
The Dalesbred Sheep Breeders Association
Dalesbred Sheep are native to
Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cumbria
but are primarily found across
Yorkshire in particular on the famous
three peaks. This is where the breed
belongs on the higher grounds as
she is very hardy and naturally
thrives in these areas. They will also
prove to be a quality breed on the
lower grounds too. The Dalesbred is Swaledale sheep couldn’t decide on
mainly used as an excellent breeder how the breed characteristics should
of cross breeds that are used for the be and so they decided to go their
separate ways. When identifying a
commercial market on the more
lowland farms such as the Dalesmule Dalesbred the characteristics you
need to look out for are a black
or the Masham. You may ask why
should I use this breed over others head, with two distinctive white
such as other hill breeds, the answer spots either side of its face and
is simple. They have a much better the nose becoming grey. The Legs
are also distinct in their black and
carcass shape allowing the sheep
to weigh more and to breed quality white colouring; both the rams and
ewes have horns that are low set,
commercial prime lambs.
round and broad. The wool is of
The Dalesbred Sheep Breeders
good quality for a hill breed; it is
Association was founded in 1930
curly on the outside and has a dense
when breeders of the very popular
undercoat which is essential during
the winter months when they are on
the fells in severe weather. The wool
is mainly used to produce carpets,
but a small amount goes to the tweed
makers. A fleece commonly weighs
between 1.5 to 3kg. The meat of a
Dalesbred is full of flavour from the
fells.
it will make to our business.”
Mr Symes, who has been researching
the industry since 2010, says ‘getting
the turbine up high’ enables it to take
advantage of higher wind speeds and
better wind quality.
“There is friction from the ground so you
get turbulence.
“The last thing a turbine wants is
turbulent air, it needs a smooth, constant
flow. People do not seem to think about
that, but the efficiency can drop like
mad.”
Working with ICE Renewables, the
couple put a lot of thought into where
to site the machine and chose one of the
farm’s open arable fields.
“Position is important, especially in
this part of the country. We wanted to
generate wind energy and not just have a
garden ornament,” Mr Symes adds.
Overall aim
“Our overall aim for Earlsway Farm is to
produce products and services for people
in an integrated and responsible, yet
commercial manner.
“I think a lot of people put up a 15kW
turbine and they think they are going
green. While it is a step in the right
direction, really, the contribution is
miniscule. It is like putting a teaspoon of
water in a swimming pool.
“We were just lucky to be able to do it.
After 10 years when we have paid back
the bank loan, it is going to make us a
nice pension.”
Mr Symes says there was little
opposition to the turbine.
“Out of courtesy I went round and spoke
to our neighbours and one lady asked me
if she would be able to see the turbine
from her living room. When I told her
yes, you probably will, she said ‘oh
good, I will enjoy watching it go round’.
“I think you either love them or hate
them.”
It is not the first time the couple have
ventured into green energy, they heat
their house using a wood burner and use
harvested rainwater to irrigate their horse
riding arenas.
“There is a real green ethos on the farm,”
adds Mr Symes.
The stunning landscape features
grassland, ponds, ancient woodlands and
hedgerows.
The arable land is used for the
production of wheat, oilseed rape, peas
and linseed oil.
“We contracted the arable out four
years ago and we were left with some
redundant grain bins which we are
converting and using in our rainwater
harvesting,” explains Mr Symes.
“Because we have contracted out the
arable side, coupled with the fact we
produce our annual electricity in two
weeks and export green electricity, it
means our carbon footprint is minimal.”