Remote Upper Coquet Valley Nears End of Off-Grid Existence

Sam Wood, one of 48 residents in Northumberland’s secluded Upper Coquet valley, highlights the community’s lack of essential services, stating: “We have appalling roads, no street lights, no fibre broadband, no mobile phone signal, no gas, no mains water, no mains sewerage and no mains electricity.” The valley, comprising farms and cottages along a single track road leading into the Cheviot Hills near the England-Scotland border, has been the focus of her ten-year campaign to bring mains electricity to this off-grid settlement, which she characterizes as “on the edge of society”. However, with the imminent arrival of a mains electricity connection, this Christmas marks the final time the community will observe the holiday under the constant apprehension of power outages. The diesel generators, which supply power to their residences, generate considerable noise, incur annual running costs of up to £10,000, and are prone to sudden malfunctions, even on Christmas Day. Sam explains: “We never know when it might happen, we can go months with no problems then the generator can stop working three times in a week.” She adds: “My husband Daniel has to go out in the dark to try and sort it and if he can’t, well, I get the candles out.” The number of individuals nationwide capable of repairing and maintaining these generators is extremely limited. Presently, the community depends on Claude Schiavetta, who journeys from his residence in Dunkeld, Scotland. He notes: “Sometimes when I arrive, families have been without power for a week or two.” He continues: “So they’re usually very pleased to see me.” Despite the prospect of his services no longer being required in the valley, Claude expresses no resentment towards the inhabitants. He states: “I’ll miss them all when they get power, but it’s about time.” He asserts: “Nobody should be without mains electricity in this country in this day and age.” The valley was overlooked during the 20th Century’s electrification initiatives due to the isolated nature of its farms, and for numerous years, residents were informed that a connection would be cost-prohibitive. However, a chance emerged to link many properties when the Home Office determined it was necessary to provide mains electricity to three emergency telecommunication masts situated within the valley. The Home Office and the Ministry of Defence (MoD), which holds ownership of the land, are providing funding for this project. Located within the Northumberland National Park, the valley’s planning authority initially requested that all power lines be buried. A resolution was reached, stipulating that 7.5 miles (12km) of lines will be supported by poles, while three miles (4.7km) will be laid underground. Matthew Brown, Northern Powergrid’s site team manager, states their objective is to achieve “the least impact possible.” He explains: “We did so many surveys, on the trees, on great crested newts, on the birds of prey and we have an on site archaeologist to make sure we don’t damage anything we come across.” He further comments: “I grew up in this area, we want to preserve it for future generations.” Scott Anderson’s family has resided at Linshiels for generations; although he continues to farm there, he and his relatives now inhabit a dwelling further down the valley that possesses mains electricity. Shona Anderson indicates that numerous factors contributed to their relocation, with dependence on a loud, unclean generator being a significant one. She recounts: “It would break down and sometimes we’d be without power for weeks or even months,” adding: “We have had times when we went away for the weekend just to have power.” She expresses optimism: “It’s great to think next Christmas we should be back in here, the kids are older now but we’ve had some amazing times here, they’ve got good memories of the place.” Not all residents in the valley will receive mains electricity. Megan Byatt, a sheep farmer, lives in a home too isolated to secure a dependable connection. She remarks: “It’s a bit of a running joke that we’re not getting it, but I don’t begrudge my neighbours.” She conveys her hope: “I’m hoping we’ll get some renewables so at least we’ll get something out of it.” Upper Coquetdale, a community comprising fewer than 50 individuals, some residing several miles apart, sees its annual valley Christmas party well-attended, with discussions this year predominantly revolving around the new power cable. Shona comments: “There’s still that little doubt,” but adds, “but it’s so nice to see the poles as you drive up the valley and you think to yourself, yes, this could actually happen.” Sam concurs: “This is a community where we look out for each other.” She elaborates: “If someone’s in trouble, we all help, and that’s happened many times.” She concludes: “Mains electricity won’t change that, the valley will always be a very special place.” For updates, follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external sites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.