In the Bury Street Precinct on Thursday, were a group seeking support for a proposed solar farm near Cumnor. The Cumnor Parish Council has voiced its opposition, citing concerns about the industrialization of the Greenbelt, the impact on the area’s natural beauty and character, disruption to public rights of way, agriculture, and ecological balance.

The representatives of the company wanting to build the solar farm say it will counter climate change by helping the shift away from carbon energy and so help the VWHDC is their action on the climate emergency. They said the land could still be used for sheep grazing. The consultation period is closed, and I was not sure of the benefit of getting people to sign a list of ‘benefits’ at this stage. The planning application on the VWHDC Planning portal has reference ‘P23/V2624/FUL’.

Meanwhile, Riverford Organic Farmers had their regular stall where people can sign up for organic vegetable and food boxes.

Organic farming relies on natural methods for pest control and fertilisation and is attractive to consumers who are able and willing to pay a premium for naturally produced food.