A Sedbergh farm has developed a means of generating electricity using waste and has begun to supply its neighbours.

Birks Farm installed an anaerobic digestion plant which generates heat, electricity and fertiliser from processing farm waste.

The electricity being produced from the plant reduces greenhouse gases by 1,255 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, an amount equivalent to planting 32,525 trees and growing them for 10 years or taking 265 cars off the road.

Brian Capstick, owner of Birks Farm, said: “The biggest benefit to businesses is the major reduction in their carbon footprint as the government starts to bring in more carbon taxes.

“Anaerobic digestion plants do this far better than wind or solar because they capture greenhouse gases to convert them into electricity.

“For the farm, it increases our profitability, which means we can support the maintenance of the landscape and skill base that has shaped the Yorkshire Dales National Park for centuries."

JMP Foodservice, a neighbour of Birks Farm has become the first company to use the electricity directly from the farm.

Sales director, Shaun Atherton said: “For us, the benefits of using the electricity produced by Birks Farm extends beyond the decrease in our energy bill.

“We have always been seeking to reduce our carbon footprint and help improve the environment and we have quite a high electricity usage on site due to our fridges and freezers related to our operations.

He added: “We looked at solar panels but our roof faces the wrong way, so this was an ideal alternative.

“The system went live on June 22, and we didn’t notice. The process was smooth and we have not had any issues.

“It’s fantastic that we are able to support the local community.”