Plans go on display tomorrow to create a solar plantation on the edge of Truro that would help fund an environmental education centre, organic allotments, workshops and provide clean renewable electricity to over 600 homes.
The solar plantation at Park Farm near Malpas would be delivered by Low Carbon Solar and would contribute to establishing and maintaining various elements of the overall project.
Income from the installation would be used to maintain 100,000 trees as part of a project by Park Farm owner Colin Parker, who has a vision to recreate the legendary Forest of Moresk, which formed the background to the stories of Tristran and Isolde.
The forest was started by Colin ten years ago when he planted 55,000 trees on 70 acres of his land. A further 60 acres is being planted as part of the second phase of the project.
Income from the solar plantation would also be used to promote the conversion of Park Farm barn into an environmental education centre for Camp Kernow, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to educating children about the environment. It would also help fund the creation of four craft workshops for local artisans. There are also plans to create a series of organic allotments where local people can grow their own food.
Julian German, Cornwall Council’s Cabinet member for the Environment, said: “Cornwall has the best solar climate in the UK and the Government’s 25-year feed-in tariff makes solar energy very attractive as an investment. This project is a perfect example of the sort of community and economic dividends we want to see from solar farm development in Cornwall and it has my full support.”
The three megawatt solar farm would generate enough power for around 600 homes, and save an estimated 1,530 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year.
The plans will be the subject of a public exhibition on Wednesday, December 22, at Truro City Council, Municipal Buildings, Boscawen Street, Truro from 12 noon until 7pm.
