Covered Clods

Keith Evans/Geograph

Farmers have for some time covered their fields in shiny man made materials to harvest the most from the prevailing weather conditions. Thankfully plastic mulching is not too prevalent in this part of Norfolk, the materials being not only unsightly but rather unenvironmentally friendly too.

Mike Page

Following last weeks news of an anaerobic digester plant being planned off the A1065 north of Swaffham, another farmer has covered a field with a 30 acre 'sun farm' assembled near North Walsham. The 18,000, 3 meter high photovotaic cells can produce enough energy to feed 1,500 homes. Expected to last 25 years, some of the maintenance is to be provided by grass trimming sheep to keep the 35 degree tilted panels producing their solar powered produce.
Update: These could be the last solar farms for some time as the government has slashed the subsidises, known as FiTs or Feed in Tariffs, for new developments.

A fair wind for bio digester?

This part of Norfolk either embraces alternative methods of energy production, such as the turbines at North Pickenham and Swaffham, undecided, such as the proposed turbine in nearby Shipdham, or opposed like the electrical sub station, for the Dudgeon off shore wind farm, in Little Dunham.

Renewable Energy Association

Reports today that Dutch business man Teun Smits and Bury St Edmunds based Qualiflex Biproduct Solutions Limited are set to show plans of a recycling and anaerobic digester plant, to be based at West Lexham, at an exhibition to be held at Castle Acre Village Hall, in Pye’s Lane, from 4pm to 7pm on November 10th. The general principle of the plant is that waste organic matter goes in one end and biogas fuel and farm friendly fertiliser comes out the other. Only time will tell whether locals welcome the idea, with 30 direct long term jobs promised, on the positive side, and environmental aromas and increased heavy transport on the other.