Cricket legend Lord Ian Botham joined around 200 protesters on a march across Barningham Moor as campaigners stepped up their fight against plans for a huge wind farm.
The former England all-rounder joined residents and supporters carrying banners and placards on Sunday (October 11) as they walked to How Tallon Trig in opposition to the proposed Hope Moor Wind Farm on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales and County Durham.
200 people met on Sunday (October 11) and walked to How Tallon Trig as part of plans for the Stop Hope Moor Wind Farm. They were joined by former cricketer, Lord Ian Botham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Lord Botham, who lives near Richmond, also spoke about his objections to the controversial development, which could see 23 turbines, each at least 200 metres tall, erected on moorland between Arkengarthdale in the Yorkshire Dales and Teesdale in County Durham.
The event was organised by the Hope Moor Wind Farm Action Group under the slogan "Keep Hope Moor Wild", with campaigners hoping to raise awareness and encourage more people to oppose the proposals.
Around 200 people gathered for the walk, which took participants into the heart of the landscape earmarked for the development.
200 people met on Sunday (October 11) and walked to How Tallon Trig as part of plans for the Stop Hope Moor Wind Farm. They were joined by former cricketer, Lord Ian Botham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Protesters carried banners and placards highlighting their opposition to the scheme as they made their way across the open moorland.
Organisers said the event was intended to give people an opportunity to appreciate the scale, beauty and tranquillity of the countryside they are campaigning to protect.
Lord Botham has become a prominent supporter of the campaign, warning about the potential impact of large wind turbines on the countryside, wildlife and peatland.
200 people met on Sunday (October 11) and walked to How Tallon Trig as part of plans for the Stop Hope Moor Wind Farm. They were joined by former cricketer, Lord Ian Botham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
His involvement has helped bring national attention to the proposals, with the former cricketer also campaigning against other major wind farm developments across northern England.
Campaigners fear the Hope Moor scheme would permanently alter the character of the landscape and affect views from the Yorkshire Dales National Park and North Pennines National Landscape.
They have also raised concerns about the potential impact on wildlife habitats, peatland, tourism and the enjoyment of the countryside.
200 people met on Sunday (October 11) and walked to How Tallon Trig as part of plans for the Stop Hope Moor Wind Farm. They were joined by former cricketer, Lord Ian Botham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Tim Wilson, from the Hope Moor Wind Farm Action Group, previously said the involvement of Lord Botham could help take the campaign beyond the local area.
He said: "We've had very good local support and awareness. But we're hoping an iconic figure like Lord Botham, who is very much a national treasure in many ways, and has a passion for the wildlife and countryside will be a really good voice to take it to a national level and into Westminster."
The protest comes as the proposals face scrutiny from defence and aviation authorities.
The Ministry of Defence has raised concerns that the turbines could interfere with military radar systems, including those at RAF Leeming, while National Air Traffic Services has also objected over potential interference with air traffic control radar.
The action group hopes Sunday's turnout will strengthen its campaign ahead of the next stage of public consultation, which it says is expected in early 2027.
200 people met on Sunday (October 11) and walked to How Tallon Trig as part of plans for the Stop Hope Moor Wind Farm. They were joined by former cricketer, Lord Ian Botham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Campaigners are encouraging residents and others concerned about the development to follow the proposals and make their views known during the planning process.
Fred. Olsen Renewables, the company behind the plans, says the site was selected because of its "strong and consistent wind speeds" and that the development could make a "significant contribution to renewable energy generation and the UK's energy security".
The company says the proposed wind farm could generate enough electricity to power around 135,000 homes.
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It has acknowledged concerns about the development and says "environmental assessments are being carried out" to examine "potential impacts on wildlife, peatland, landscape and nearby communities."
The developer has said it will "continue engaging with residents, stakeholders and statutory bodies as the proposals progress."
The Hope Moor Wind Farm Action Group says it will continue gathering evidence, raising awareness and campaigning against the development.