A NURSERY near Winchester is planning to install three wind turbines in an innovative bid to generate its own power.

Kirton Farm - off Stockbridge Road between Sparsholt and Up Somborne - wants the 18-metre tall masts to provide 80 per cent of its electricity.

The nursery, which was founded by Derek and Caroline Taylor in 1984, said few households would overlook the turbines.

As part of the scheme the farm is proposing to make annual donations, over a decade, to the three parishes surrounding the business, for community sustainability projects. It will donate money per unit of energy produced by the turbines, which it believes is likely to amount to around £450 each year.

A statement posted on the firm's website reads: "In a district where the carbon footprint per head of population is particularly high, this project would make a significant local difference, saving over 50 tonnes of carbon dioxide production each year.

"As one of the most progressive suppliers in our market, promoting more eco-friendly ways of doing things, we would really like to encourage a wider uptake of the sustainable opportunities available to our local communities."