A pioneering co-operative venture to build the first community-owned wind farm in the south of England is giving people an opportunity to invest their money in a greener future through a unique share issue this autumn.

Westmill Wind Farm Co-operative Ltd, which was established in 2004, has planning permission to build the largest community-owned wind farm in the UK on a former airfield in Watchfield, on the Oxfordshire/Wiltshire border.

It intends to finance the construction of five wind turbines through a 3.75m public share offer, supplemented by a bank loan. The turbines are expected to become operational by the end of 2006 and will provide enough green electricity to power more than 2,500 homes.

Shares go on sale from tomorrow (Tuesday, November 22) and membership will be available to anyone. The minimum investment is 250 and the maximum is 20,000.

The project is modelled on the successful Cumbrian wind farm established by Baywind Energy Co-operative in 1996. Baywind is the UKs first and largest community-owned energy project, which is run entirely by its 1,300 members and actively supports a range of environmental and educational initiatives in line with its co-operative ideals.

Baywind has paid its members annual interest that has averaged seven per cent gross since it launched. Although Westmill has lower wind speeds, the bigger and more efficient turbines are expected to generate annual returns of up to 12 per cent gross for investors.

Investors should also be eligible for tax relief through the Governments Enterprise Investment Scheme, and their original investment will be returned at the end of 25 years.

Westmill Wind Farm is the brainchild of organic farmer Adam Twine, who has spent the last 13 years working to build a wind farm co-operative on his land.

It will be run with assistance from Energy4All a company set up by Baywind Co-operative in 2002 to facilitate the ownership and operation of renewable energy projects by local or community based co-ops.

Energy4All development director Angela Duignan said: Westmill Wind Farm Co-Operative offers an ideal opportunity to help to create a greener and more sustainable future. By simply buying shares in our scheme, people can play an active and direct role in the fight against climate change and dwindling energy supplies.

We are already witnessing the devastating effects of climate change, which has wreaked havoc in the form of floods and hurricanes in recent years. We need to reduce the carbon emissions that cause climate change by expanding the role of renewable energy, such as wind power, and promoting energy efficiency.

The wind farm will help the UK avoid emissions of harmful greenhouse gases, which are produced in part by burning fossil fuels in conventional power stations. It will also contribute towards the Governments target of generating 10 per cent of electricity from renewable sources by 2010.

Anyone wishing to become a member of the co-op by buying shares or to find out more information about Westmill Wind Farm should call 0870 234 2002 or log on to www.westmill.coop.

Important Notice

The information given is intended as a general introduction to the opportunity detailed in the prospectus, which sets out the basis upon which you may acquire shares in Westmill Wind Farm Co-operative Ltd. The sole purpose of the limited and general information included on this release is to introduce you to the opportunity detailed in the Prospectus and no reliance must be placed on this introductory information.