Water inspires wave of green energy projects on Exmoor

FIVE waterside locations on Exmoor are poised to become power stations producing green energy.
The micro-hydropower projects, including two historic watermills, will be awarded a share of £50,000 from EDF Energy’s Green Fund to help tap into stream power.
Together they will generate up to 230,000kWh per year, enough to power 50 local homes and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 100 tonnes annually.
The money will go to Exmoor Renewable Energy Group (EREG), which was founded last year by a group of micro-hydropower site owners on Exmoor whose aim is to help inspire and install renewable energy using the power of water.
The group was formed with the support of Exmoor National Park Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund.
More than 90 other sites on Exmoor have been identified as having the potential to generate micro-hydropower, and more than a dozen other stream owners have expressed an interest in installing the equipment.
The five sites to win funding are part of a first wave of hydro-electric stations costing £160,000 in total.
The work will be funded by the EDF Energy grant, £50,000 each from EREG and the Low Carbon Buildings Programme, and £9,000 from Exmoor National Park Authority.
The first five micro hydro-electric turbines will be installed at:

• Cowbridge Sawmill, Minehead – where a water wheel will be restored to power a woodworking museum in the 18th century mill


• Parracombe Mill, in Parracombe – a restored historic mill dating from 1543 with its own working water wheel


• Lee Abbey, in Lynton – a conference, retreat, and outdoor centre set on the Exmoor coast


• Holwell Farm, in Parracombe – steeped in history and home to Holwell Castle, a Norman motte and bailey castle


• Deercombe, near Lynmouth – this project will provide a model for power generation from a small moorland stream on Exmoor

The first EREG members plan to support a second wave of projects by providing guidance and project support to the next group.
The first five schemes will also be turned into a hydropower trail to stimulate wider interest in green energy.
Students from local schools will be encouraged to follow the projects from design to delivery.
EDF Energy sustainable future director Peter Hofman, said: “In the UK there are thousands of historic mills and natural streams which could be suitable for micro-hydropower schemes.
“There is plenty of potential for micro-hydropower projects on Exmoor and we are delighted that EREG members plan to support a second group of renewable energy projects.
“Considered as a group, these projects cannot be underestimated and will make a significant contribution to the efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
One of the first mills to go live will be Parracombe Mill, which could be generating electricity as early as this autumn.
Nick White, secretary of EREG, purchased the mill in 2002 with his partner Beatriz Castro.
Mr White said: “We are absolutely delighted with EDF Energy’s support. It has been a big boost for us and a big boost for the projects and we are thrilled to be moving forward with our plans.
“There is the potential for Exmoor to generate a considerable amount of electricity and, provided we are successful, a second wave of micro-hydropower schemes will come on line.
“This could be the small stone that starts the ball rolling and this is very much down to EDF Energy for the contribution it has made.
“We are very excited about the prospect of generating our own electricity.
“Although our project is on a small scale, we hope it will act as an incentive and encouragement for others who are a stage or two behind us.”
Exmoor has a strong tradition of hydropower, proven by the 300kW prototype marine current generator situated off Lynmouth and a 300kW hydropower scheme in Glen Lyn Gorge, Lynmouth. Pictured is a typical watermill. Photo submitted.

Vintage buses take to the roads for Bank Holiday weekend services

AN historic bus and coach extravaganza is being hosted in West Somerset during the Bank Holiday weekend courtesy of Steve Morris, a director of Quantock Motor Services.
A fleet of 20 vintage vehicles will make regular pick-ups at the main-line train station at Taunton to drive passengers through the lovely local scenery to Watchet, Minehead, and over Exmoor to Lynmouth on Saturday, Sunday, and Bank Holiday Monday, May 5, 6, and 7
Mr Morris said: “I am delighted to commemorate my 30 years in bus and coach restoration by holding a three-day celebration of vintage travel that stretches from Taunton to Lynmouth with a special focus on the historic port of Watchet and the West Somerset Railway station at Minehead.”
Most of the buses and coaches date to the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s, bringing the elegance of a bygone age to local roads.
West Somerset Council has also allowed 15 buses and coaches to be parked on its land at East Quay, in Watchet, from 9 am to 5.30 pm on Sunday, May 6, for the public to view a variety of vintage vehicles at close quarters, and chat to the owners.
Mr Morris said: “Visitors will be able to catch a train to Taunton and then reach destinations across West Somerset and North Devon without bringing their own cars.
“This is good for the environment and will also help boost local tourism.
“We have kept ticket prices to a minimum so that as many people as possible can experience the buses and keep up the enthusiasm for this working history.”
A day ticket for a family - two adults accompanied by two children - is £14, while an adult day ticket is £8.
Services will run regularly from the main train station at Taunton, Watchet’s East Wharf, the West Somerset Railway station in Minehead, and Lynmouth.
Tickets are available at bus stops on the day.
For more information on the event including timetables, go to www.quantockmotorservices.co.uk and click on the 'bus rally' tab, or telephone 01823 251140.
Photo submitted.

Tour of Britain cycle race heads for West Somerset and Exmoor

WEST Somerset is to host part of this year’s Tour of Britain blue riband cycle race for the first time, as some of the world’s top cyclists compete in a stage which takes them through the district.
The terrain of Exmoor National Park and the Quantock Hills will provide competitors with some tough challenges.
The riders will pass through Williton, Dunster, Minehead, Porlock, Lynmouth, Simonsbath, Exford, and Wheddon Cross before reaching the stage finish in Taunton.
The Tour of Britain starts on Sunday, September 9, and reaches West Somerset on Tuesday, September 11.
The South West stage is being hosted by Somerset County Council, which has secured a stage of the tour for five years from 2007.
The council is confident the race will bring substantial economic benefits and a tourism boost to the county.
The Tour of Britain is Britain’s leading professional cycle race and biggest live sporting event and is free to watch.
Tour of Britain activities are planned to take place in Somerset throughout the summer, including a triathlon for schools at Millfield School, in Street, and a cycling exhibition at the Somerset County Museum, in Taunton.
Details of the Somerset route were unveiled at a ceremony in the Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton, where guests were treated to a visual spectacle by RNAS service personnel from 864 Squadron.
After flying in by Sea King helicopter, they presented museum staff with a £2,500 bicycle given by Tri UK and Fisher Outdoor for a competition at the exhibition.
County economic development portfolio holder Councillor Paul Buchanan said: “We are determined that the South West stage of the Tour of Britain will be the best ever.
“It will be an exciting event for Somerset, and not to be missed.
“The route will showcase the county, with television coverage on the BBC, and will give us an opportunity to show the world what a perfect setting Somerset is for cycling and outdoor activity breaks.”
The Tour of Britain South West stage is supported by the Somerset Strategic Partnership, Somerset Rural Renaissance Partnership, Exmoor National Park Sustainable Development Fund, Active Exmoor, and Fleet Air Arm Museum.
Information about the route of the race, images and logos can be accessed and downloaded at www.tourofbritain.co.uk/media/downloads/index.asp

• Our photographs show (top) county heritage officer Tom Mayberry (left) with Richard Wallis of Tri UK, and (middle) RNAS service personnel from 864 Squadron delivering a competition prize bicycle by Sea King helicopter for the Somerset County Museum exhibition ‘On Yer Bike’, which is due to start on June 30. Photos submitted.