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HSGWAG. Helmdon, Stuchbury and Greatworth Wind Farm Action Group
Horses and Riders
There is a frequently used bridleway that runs through the middle of the
proposed wind farm site combined with livery stables situated at Grange
farm and numerous other paddocks and stables within a 2km radius.
We are currently mapping out precisely where horses and stables are situated locally and how they will be impacted by the proposed wind turbines.
As a starting point when assessing a site and its potential layout a separation distance of four times the overall height would be the target for National Trails and Ride UK routes as these are likely to be used by equestrians unfamiliar with turbines. A distance of three times overall height for all other routes, including roads, with the 200m recommended in the Technical Guidance to PPS22 being seen as the minimum where it is shown in a particular case that this would be acceptable.The turbines between Helmdon and Greatworth are to be 410 feet high or 125 metres. Thus a separation distance of three times their height would be 375 metres.
The particular issues cited by the BHS which are likely to alarm horses are:
- Moving blade shadows on the ground (probably the most important issue)
- Movement in the landscape, particularly if sudden or unexpected
- Noise, either from the mechanism or from wind on the blades
- Blade flicker and strobing in sunlight
Shadows on the Ground
Horses are known to be wary of unfamiliar shapes or movements on the ground. This is a result of the natural instincts of prey animals, as their feet and legs are their means of defence (by fleeing) so anything that threatens these is of concern to a horse. The movement of shadows on the surface of routes used by horses is therefore of great importance.
Sudden Movement
It is possible to imagine that horses ridden in the area regularly will get used to the presence of the turbines in time as claimed by the Wind Energy Association. However that ignores the process of accustoming the horses to this new and alarming phenomenon and secondly that they are not turning all the time. On a still day they will be static but can start up at any time and quite unexpectedly if there is a gust of wind.
We are currently mapping out precisely where horses and stables are situated locally and how they will be impacted by the proposed wind turbines.
As a starting point when assessing a site and its potential layout a separation distance of four times the overall height would be the target for National Trails and Ride UK routes as these are likely to be used by equestrians unfamiliar with turbines. A distance of three times overall height for all other routes, including roads, with the 200m recommended in the Technical Guidance to PPS22 being seen as the minimum where it is shown in a particular case that this would be acceptable.The turbines between Helmdon and Greatworth are to be 410 feet high or 125 metres. Thus a separation distance of three times their height would be 375 metres.
The particular issues cited by the BHS which are likely to alarm horses are:
- Moving blade shadows on the ground (probably the most important issue)
- Movement in the landscape, particularly if sudden or unexpected
- Noise, either from the mechanism or from wind on the blades
- Blade flicker and strobing in sunlight
Shadows on the Ground
Horses are known to be wary of unfamiliar shapes or movements on the ground. This is a result of the natural instincts of prey animals, as their feet and legs are their means of defence (by fleeing) so anything that threatens these is of concern to a horse. The movement of shadows on the surface of routes used by horses is therefore of great importance.
Sudden Movement
It is possible to imagine that horses ridden in the area regularly will get used to the presence of the turbines in time as claimed by the Wind Energy Association. However that ignores the process of accustoming the horses to this new and alarming phenomenon and secondly that they are not turning all the time. On a still day they will be static but can start up at any time and quite unexpectedly if there is a gust of wind.
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Disclaimer: Please note that the content of this web site represents the views and opinions of the
Helmdon, Stuchbury & Greatworth Wind Farm Action Group committee and our members.
Although we have tried to be as accurate as possible in relaying facts on issues relating to the
proposed development and the wind industry in general, we cannot be held responsible for any
inaccuracies found therein. If you believe any content to be incorrect or inaccurate please let us
know.