Green politicians in Germany have given the go-ahead to axe dozens of ancient trees and build a wind farm in one of the country’s largest mixed forests which reportedly inspired the Brothers Grimm fairytale ‘Sleeping Beauty’.
Excavators have started installing roads at the 200 square-kilometre (877 square-mile) Reinhardswald Forest, Hesse State, despite furious protests by residents and local lawmakers.
The woodlands are located around the Sababurg, a 14th-century fortress colloquially known as Sleeping Beauty Castle.
It was allegedly the inspiration of the medieval authors to write ‘The Sleeping Beauty in the Woods’, a fairytale later collected and published by Jacob Grimm and Wilhelm Grimm.
Hesse Environment Minister Priska Hinz from the Green Party is pressing ahead with plans to install 240-metre (787-foot) wind turbines in the woodlands. In comparison, the Gherkin in the City of London measures 180 metres (591 feet).
Hinz argued: “Wind power is a crucial part of our move towards green energy. It ensures the protection of forests and important ecosystems.”
The Reinhardswald forest project has been delayed due to appeals by outraged environmentalists and residents. But administrative court judges in Kassel recently green-lighted the contested endeavour.
Homeless Man’s Fairytale Castle To Be Demolished
Around 14 kilometres (nine miles) of roads have already been created throughout the wood in the first phase of construction, say local media.
Former Kassel administrative court judge Ottmar Barke warned: “It appears as if essential values such as the protection of the environment and animals have become irrelevant.”
Environmentalist Hermann-Josef Rapp is devastated.
He told local media: “This forest is a real treasure. Its biodiversity is unique. How can you sacrifice this precious area to greedy wind power businesspeople?”
The mayors of nine of the 11 municipalities nearby reportedly oppose the controversial renewable energy project.
Cornelius Turrey, mayor of the small town of Wesertal Mayor, said: “Encouraged by (Vice Chancellor and Economy Minister Robert) Habeck, the State of Hesse is focusing on getting this done quickly.”
Sisi’s Castle From Netflix’s The Empress Available To Rent On Airbnb
Habeck is determined to scrap the production of energy from fossil sources by 2035 in favour of wind power and solar energy.
Turrey added: “The Greens want to set up wind turbines in forests. Such measures are nonsensical.
“Fire risks, noise pollution and drinking water quality are of great concern to the people who live here.”
Having been renovated in the 1950s, the castle is a popular tourist destination as well as a venue for weddings. Its park can be visited free of charge.
The Sababurg featured a hotel which closed in 2018. Kassel County politicians and experts from Munich University are currently discussing potential ways to reignite the location’s potential.
To find out more about the author, editor or agency that supplied this story – please click below.
Story By: Thomas Hochwarter, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Newsflash
The Ananova page is created by and dedicated to professional, independent freelance journalists. It is a place for us to showcase our work. When our news is sold to our media partners, we will include the link here.
