PROPOSALS for 22 new turbines in Clocaenog Forest spark debate over wildlife, energy policy and local impact.

Residents have voiced strong opinions over plans to build a 22-turbine wind farm near Ruthin, in an area known for its rare red squirrel population.

The public is being invited to share views on the proposed Clocaenog Dau Wind Farm, located around 8 km south-west of Ruthin within the 6,000-hectare Clocaenog Forest. The forest straddles both Denbighshire and Conwy County Borough and is home to red squirrels, dormice and a range of other protected species.

The development, led by publicly owned renewable energy company Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru, forms part of its ambition to deliver up to 1 GW of renewable electricity by 2040 - enough to power nearly a quarter of Wales' homes each year. The Clocaenog Dau project would generate 132 MW of electricity, equivalent to the annual energy needs of around 117,500 Welsh households.

Three in-person consultation events are being held to allow residents to meet the developers, ask questions, view a digital model of the proposed site, and submit feedback on the early plans.

However, the proposals have already sparked lively debate locally.

One resident said: "It shouldn't be where red squirrels are breeding -- they're native to this country and endangered. There should be a preservation order on the land."

Another argued: "They shouldn't be on land -- there's plenty of turbulence in the sea."

Others disagreed, saying wind farms do not harm red squirrels or birds. "It's a big forest, so they can easily move around," one person said.

Concerns were also raised about tree felling and the wider environmental impact. "Is anyone keeping an eye on this? How close are they going to be to the red squirrel woods? Are they going to be felling trees as well?" one resident asked.

Another added: "They were all impacted by the turbines and will be further affected by more clear felling. The black grouse disappeared completely."

Others expressed frustration over transparency. "On all the maps they're releasing they're only showing the new turbines, not the existing ones," one person said.

Some were critical of the broader policy. "It's a disgrace that this crazy scheme can even be entertained -- wind farms are low energy and high maintenance, another political con!" one comment read.

Supporters, however, highlighted that the new scheme would be developed by a Welsh-owned public company. "This is infill of an existing wind farm, but this time profits will be kept and reinvested in Wales. It won't impact the red squirrel population and will create enough energy for 117,500 homes," said another.

Others felt their objections had been overlooked: "So many of us have voiced our concerns and petitioned against this, but yet again we're ignored. It's all about money for the few, destroying our natural landscape."

Some questioned the effectiveness of existing wind farms. "Why are they building more when most of the ones we have already don't seem to be doing much?" one resident asked.

Denbighshire County Council councillor Jon Harland responded: "They're doing nothing for your bills because, for political reasons, the price you pay is set at gas prices. But they're already supplying over 30 per cent of your energy every day -- and that figure is climbing."

Others still rejected wind power altogether, insisting: "Wind energy needs to stop now. It's not the way forward at all -- tidal should be top of the list."

The consultation on the proposed Clocaenog Dau Wind Farm will continue over the coming weeks, with feedback helping to shape the next stage of development plans.

Details of the in-person consultation events are as follows:

* Tuesday, October 14, Nantglyn Church House, L16 5PL, 1pm to 6.30pm

* Friday, October 17, Ysgol Cerrigydrudion, LL21 9SW, 3.30pm to 7pm

* Saturday, October 18, Canolfan Cae Cymro, LL15 2ND, 11am to 2.30pm

Adam Dempsey, Clocaenog Dau Wind Farm project manager, said: "We recognise the importance of taking on board feedback from people across the region at every stage in the development, but especially now, as we are at the very start of designing the project.

"The public consultation events, which people can drop into, are an important space for us to meet face to face with local people.

"By engaging and working with local communities and organisations, I'm confident the project will deliver tangible, long-term economic and social benefits to the region, all whilst to contributing to Wales delivering more for people, nature and the planet."

In 2022, RWE's Clocaenog Forest onshore wind farm opened. The wind farm is located near Denbigh and consists of 27 turbines, capable of providing renewable electricity equivalent to the needs of 63,800 UK homes.

The delivery of the project including a 'Habitat Management Plan' which included 131 hectares of heathland restoration, 20 hectares of bog restoration and 17 hectares of newly created dormouse habitat.

Residents divided over plans for 22-turbine wind farm in red squirrel forest