The Rambler's Association and South Wales communities took to the hills between January and April 2007 in a series of Teithiau 'Gorwel Agored'/ 'Clear Horizon' Walks to raise awareness of new turbine developments that were planned across the South of Wales.
By getting out on to the mountains, and seeing the beautiful countryside that surrounds them, the local people have been able to see first hand just what an impact wind farm development is having on their area. With one third of all new wind energy development in Wales proposed to be sited in the Valleys, the special nature of this area with its uniquely accessible countryside from the doorsteps of so many communities, may become yet another victim of over-development.
The regional scale of wind turbine developments is unprecedented and deserves special treatment. Instead information has been less than forthcoming to the wider public. The Ramblers' urges members and local communities to ask questions about what is planned for their area and to make their views known to their AMs, MPs and to their council.
8th April 2007 saw fifty people (including some election candidates) walking the forests and open access land above Abercregan. The group experienced the impact of recent turbine developments (Ffynon Oer, with turbines 95m high) and enjoyed views to the currently unspoilt mountain sides above Glyncorrwg. Here new schemes have proposed turbines 180m - higher than the Post Office tower in London.
3rd March 2007 - Mynydd Drummau above the Neath Valley regualrly attracts locals to appreciate its panoramic views across the Gower. Now locals protest at the threats from wind farm developments.
11th February 2007 - the view from the anemometer mast above Llangnwyd. Views south-west to Exmoor and northwards across the valleys set to be interrupted by wind turbines.
21st January 2007 - local residents and Ramblers' turn their backs on wind turbines. Expansion of existing wind farms and new turbine developments threaten to surround the community of Gilfach Goch.
Dare Valley © Crown Copyright 2006
13th January - Two hundred people braved wind and rain to show their opposition to proposed development of the Bwllfa and the Darren.
