Sir – I am deeply indebted to Michael Tyce of CPRE for his contribution to the “massive subsidies” apparently required to keep wind farms operational (Letters, May 7).
Indeed, I hope I remember to raise a glass to him when I receive my next dividend from Westmill Wind Farm, which seems to be doing very nicely indeed. Maybe at Westmill we are just unusually lucky in attracting the “right kind of wind”.
May I, though, recommend to Mr Tyce and to all concerned about wind turbines David MacKay’s excellent book Sustainable Energy — without the hot air. It is available for free download from www.withouthotair.com and is essential reading for anyone who thinks that insulation of homes — essential as that is — is going to avert the energy crisis ahead. Putting landscape considerations ahead of huge issues like the energy crisis and climate change seems absurd in this day and age. Almost as absurd as the idea that wind farms blight the countryside. They are quiet, safe, effective and, as far as many of us are concerned, extraordinarily beautiful.
Priscilla Waugh, Oxford
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