A 300ft wind turbine made entirely from maize was unveiled at a Cornwall farm to raise awareness of climate change.
The horizontal turbine, which is the size of 22 double-decker buses, won’t be generating any energy but will be promoting climate change awareness at Smeaton Farm near Saltash.
Richard Jones came up with the idea for the turbine while thinking of a theme for the ‘Amazing Cornish Maize Maze’ attraction that draws thousands of visitors to the farm every year.
Jones, who runs the 450-acre farm with his wife and three children, said of the climate change message: "It's such an important issue and it's what's on everybody's mind at the moment.”
Smeaton Farm operates under the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs countryside stewardship scheme, which aims to protect and extend wildlife habitats, conserve archaeological sites, create new habitats and improve opportunities for people to enjoy the countryside.
Jones spent two months cutting the giant turbine. He added: “I have to say it's been two months of hard graft, but it's been worth it - it looks absolutely fantastic.”
The maze was created by Adrian Fisher, who is known worldwide for his giant mazes. He has designed the puzzles for over 20 years and in that time has created more than 500 mazes in 23 countries, and won six Guinness World Records as well as 12 Design and Export awards. The maize maze will feature ‘monsters’ formed from piles of discarded junk to raise awareness of going green.
In October, Jones will harvest the maize to feed the farm's beef cattle.
Post a comment