Because the output of a wind turbine also tends to increase proportionally with its distance from barriers such as trees or buildings, the most productive -- and cost-effective -- turbines sit atop tall towers erected on an acre or more of open land.

CNN: Stimulus may get small wind turbines spinning

Cattle browsed in the grass, and the distinctive call of a sandhill crane carried on the wind that flowed down from ancient sand dunes in the distance.

BBC: Florida��s newest wildlife refuge

Though I laughed at the warning sign depicting a stick-figure falling head-first off the cliffs, I made sure to keep a safe distance from the drop-off for fear that the wind might actually propel me over.

BBC: Where waterfalls outnumber people

It estimates more than 11% of the island's 68, 900 population has put their name to the petition which calls for a ban on commercial wind turbines in any Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a separation distance of at least 1.5km (0.9 miles) from housing.

BBC: 8,000 sign Anglesey petition against wind turbines

We stopped a short distance from the edge, watching as a lone bird practiced acrobatic swoops and flips in the wind.

BBC: Where waterfalls outnumber people

Mr Heaton-Harris' Onshore Wind Turbines (Proximity of Habitation) Bill would give local planning authorities the power to specify the minimum distance between turbines and homes.

BBC: New powers to block windfarm developments proposed