In essence, a solar farm is a nature reserve that is left largely untouched for 25 years, resulting in huge benefits for wildlife and biodiversity. It would help to reverse the decline in wildlife due to intensive farming practices.
To complement the biodiversity improvements and ecological measures already practised by Gnaton Farms, a Landscape and Ecological Management Plan will be implemented:
- Wildflower meadows will be sown across the site.
- Bee hotels and hives for honey bees and solitary bees to take advantage of the pollen and nectar. The site is located within the South Devon “B-Lines” and will enhance this
- Hibernacula for small mammals and birds, with areas outside the fence line being left as coarse grassland.
- Bird and bat boxes.
- Land maintenance by sheep grazing the site each winter after the wildflower meadows have cast their seed.
More information about how solar farms can help enhance biodiversity is available in this report, endorsed by organisations including the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, National Trust, Plantlife and RSPB.
The potential ecological benefits of solar farms are also recognised by Lancaster University and the University of York. They are working on the SPIES project: Solar Park Impacts on Ecosystem Services. This short animation explains the concept.
Click to enlarge the image.