We are all increasingly aware of the importance of our household energy consumption in relation to our changing climate. There is convincing research available which shows that household energy consumption creates a large proportion of our national CO2 emissions. On top of this, many of us are finding it increasingly hard to pay our energy bills and this is very likely to continue into the future. Without any action, it is quite possible that we will find ourselves lacking the affordable energy that we have taken for granted thus far.

What we can do about this situation is a matter of hot debate, but one thing is certain, we do need to debate, and hopefully agree, on a solution. The Government has made a commitment to reduce our carbon dioxide output by 50% by 2025 which is not an easy task, but it does mean that there is official support for local initiatives and probably funding. 

On a local level, a group of people from different specialist backgrounds have been meeting to investigate the viability of renewable energy for Aveton Gifford. This village, along with the South West of Devon, is blessed with a plentiful supply of wind. This makes a wind turbine an attractive and practical source of renewable energy, with the potential to provide an income for community projects in the future. 

Nationally some individuals and groups have opposed wind turbines in their locality, and several impassioned objections to their siting have been raised. Likewise for us there are questions around many aspects, not least how would a wind turbine look? Would we be able to see it from the village, our house, our back garden? Will it affect wildlife, particularly bird and bat populations? And is there a possibility of noise pollution or radio interference?

To find meaningful answers to these and many other questions is a vital part of the process as we try to seek ways of living more sustainably in the face of increasing fuel costs and depleted oil reserves. A starting point would be to bring the community together in various ways over the coming months in order to begin this essential process of discussion, research and debate about how to tackle the problems we and our children could face in the future.

If you want to get involved, learn more or even oppose at this very early stage, look out for posters, articles in the mAGpie, or get in touch with Tim Abrahall, either through the Parish Council, or directly via his mobile which is 07967 320225.