A fierce opposition is mounting against plans for one of England's tallest wind farms, proposed for deep peat moorland overlooking the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The 20-turbine Hope Moor scheme, with blade tips reaching 200 metres, would power 81,000 homes but has sparked a local rebellion over landscape and wildlife concerns.
Residents have mobilised around a sculpture and a coffee table book. Sculptor Michael Kusz of Reeth created a scale model to visualise the turbines, while in Barningham, County Durham, a book produced by the late Sir Anthony Milbank—father of landowner Sir Edward Milbank—has become a focal point. The book celebrates the moor's wildlife, including curlew, black grouse and hen harriers, which locals fear will be lost.
Opponents question the logic of digging up peat—a carbon sink—to build concrete bases and access roads. “It’s a complete joke,” said Simon Thompson, a Newsham resident. “The fact they are digging up peat to save carbon emissions is ridiculous.” A previous application for smaller turbines on the same moor was rejected in the High Court in 1999.
The Norwegian energy company Fred. Olsen Renewables is behind the scheme, which falls outside national park boundaries but on deep peat designated as a priority habitat. The government, aiming for 95% low-carbon electricity by 2030, has accelerated approvals, including 28 new onshore wind farms this week alone. Hope Moor, at 100MW, would dwarf these.
