2 September 2010 Last updated at 06:33 ET

Somerset Levels opponents visit wind turbine

It is the first time Ecotricity has taken people against wind turbines to visit one

A group opposed to plans for five wind turbines on the Somerset Levels has visited the county's only turbine.

The energy firm Ecotricity took 12 residents from East and West Huntspill to visit the turbine in Chewton Mendip.

The company said it hoped the visit would help ease some of the vocal opposition towards the plans.

Campaigners against the proposals say the Levels are an area of outstanding natural beauty and that it should be protected from "man-made" objects.

'Not the same'

It is the first time Ecotricity has taken a group who are against proposals for turbines to visit one.

A spokeswoman from the energy firm said: "It's the opportunity for people who have not been up to one, to go and see one to make their own minds up and not just believe things they have seen on the internet."

Opponent Lindy Howlett said: "It would take a lot to change my mind but I appreciate the gesture.

"But to go and view one turbine on the Mendip Hills isn't the same as five on the Somerset Levels."