A farm on the outskirts of Arreton is looking to build a reservoir to help water crops and futureproof its business.
Perreton Farm on East Lane, Merstone is asking for permission from the Isle of Wight Council to build an agricultural irrigation reservoir that will measure over 3 hectares — or 5 football pitches.
The irrigation reservoir, which if approved is set to look like a natural water feature within the countryside, would collect water which would then be pumped around crops grown at the farm.
In planning documents it is said the proposals are an essential part of the farming system, reducing the need to use drinking water and starting to adapt to pressures from climate change.
The reservoir will help reduce crop failure through a drought or dry conditions, therefore future-proofing the farm against risks.
Don’t be fooled. This is THE farm where UKOG is going to drill for oil.
This is either to ensure a clean supply for the farm in case oil contaminates underground natural water supplies, or it is to supply the drilling site with a source of water to be used for the drill, which uses water and mud to cool the drill as it drills through the substrates.
Unconvinced it is for what they suggest, as it is a huge coincidence that it is the very farm where oil exploration is going to take place soon.
Maybe jumping to the wrong conclusion, but time will no doubt tell.
Trust nothing on its face value where huge cash sums are concerned.
Does it really matter? How does your food get to the island? Diesel engines on a boat. How did your comment come to be here? Using a form of smart device that will have copper mined from the ground, plastic made from oil from the ground and glass made from sand. So the device your using must be an inconvenience for someone else yet you happy to use it? Problem is with people is they want everything but not on their doorstep.
Or may you will find the land around there is very sandy and dries out very quickly. Having another year like we have had. With a lot of crop failures something needs to be done in being proactive for the future.
Sorry but it’s a great idea but it will not happen like the bike track oil drilling Think Arreton is living in the past