Breadcrumbs
Energising the Countryside - 9 July 2001
Solar energy, wind power, small hydro electric projects and growing fuel crops - such as coppiced willow for heating the local school - are all types of schemes that can be done at a community level.
Countryside Agency chairman Ewen Cameron said: "The Countryside Agency sees great possibilities for the Government's drive on renewable energy to play a valuable role in the countryside. There are real opportunities for rural communities, rural entrepreneurs and the environment to benefit from this exciting modern agenda.
"It will bring new skills and livelihoods to the countryside, and help people realise how they can link renewable energy to countryside activities, whether this is managing farm waste, heating new housing developments, harnessing local wind power, or developing new markets from farm woods. We are delighted with the support we've received from fellow government bodies - now we all need to turn this vision into projects on the ground."
The Community Renewables initiative is focused on community based partnerships looking at ways of harnessing renewable energy in their locality. The initiative will support partnerships in three pilot areas in England, which will be announced later this year. The Countryside Agency is urging organisations such as local authorities and Regional Development Agencies to get together and support schemes in their area. Groups likely
to get involved include farms, schools, housing developments, businesses, hospitals and community groups, some of which might arrange themselves in local trusts for this purpose. They will be given advice and training on all aspects of their developments, including getting the finance together.
An advisory group chaired by Countryside Agency board member Tony Hams will oversee this initiative and help co-ordinate the input of government bodies. The Community Renewables initiative is supported by all government bodies involved in renewable energy: the DTI, Forestry Commission, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and the Energy Savings Trust.
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Notes for editors
The Countryside Agency is responsible for advising government and taking action on issues relating to the social, economic and environmental well being of the English countryside.
Full details of the initiative and an application form can be found at www.countryside.gov.uk
