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Are solar farms the solution to declining biodiversity?
3 December 2024
The state of the UK’s biodiversity is at serious risk, with a 19% decline in the abundance of species since 1970 (Protect Wildlife).
Renewable energy projects play a key role in generating clean, green energy, limiting carbon emissions and paving the way for society at large to reach net-zero goals. However, perhaps less known is the positive impact such projects can have on biodiversity in the UK.
With environmental surveys ensuring that issues are flagged early in the development process, and environmental considerations mapped out from the offset, renewable energy projects, – particularly solar – are designed to not only limit the impact on biodiversity but can help it thrive.
Read on to discover the benefits solar farms can have on biodiversity.
An active focus on biodiversity
In February 2024, the UK government’s mandatory 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirement came into force, necessitating all major developments to achieve a 10% minimum increase in biodiversityvalue. The BNG encourages the protection, enhancement and long-term monitoring of biodiversity levels at solar farms, with practices including re-seeding wildflower mixes to create meadows and the planting of native hedgerows.
Under this legislation, solar farms are required to provide a Biodiversity Management Plan that should entail details of their biodiversity plans and objectives. Conscientious developers adhere to the BNG to make an active positive difference to biodiversity on their sites.
Fauna and Flora
- Soil
Solar projects can bring about the natural improvement of soil health. Generally free of pesticides and herbicides, solar farms encourage the soil to self-purify without the assistance of artificial chemicals, enriching the soil. The wildlife that inhabits and feeds off the soil benefit from these conditions, strengthening the wider ecosystem.
- Tree and Hedgerow Planting
Trees and hedgerows are often planted around solar farms to protect the surrounding areas from glint and glare, and as a visual barrier, while serving as a visual buffer. Such planting has the dual effect of enhancing local biodiversity, creating new habitats, wildlife corridors and enhancing ecological connectivity.
The use of native species in the already established ecological environment promotes continued growth and value to existing wildlife, strengthening the ecosystems that surround the project.
Animals
- A place of refuge
Solar panels create areas of shade that are cool, while also leaving rows in between that are exposed to sunlight. This environment is beneficial for animals, who graze on the site,. The panels also provide a safe place for ground nesting birds to rear their young away from predators and raptors.
- Habitats for Insects:
Research suggests the number of insects in the UK has decreased by a staggering 60% in the last 20 years, raising significant concerns for wildlife and the environment.
However, reports shared by Solar Energy UK suggest that solar farms, and the plants beneath them, offer a variety of food sources and shelter for insects. In doing so, the presence of solar farms has been shown to increase the abundance and overall diversity of insects, specifically pollinators such as butterflies and bees.
Pollinators play a vital role in promoting biodiversity as they facilitate the reproduction of flowering plants, promoting cross-pollination among different plants. In this way, solar farms act as a “reservoir” of pollinators, benefiting the wider environment and neighbouring farms
Ongoing maintenance and monitoring
Biodiversity gains are only possible with long-term maintenance and monitoring of the area. With projects lasting up to 40 years, responsible developers must commit to maintaining the land through measures such as habitat assessments and environmental surveys. Doing so provides critical information on biodiversity levels and ecological trends on site, allowing the developer to deliver on the forecasted biodiversity benefits.
As Solar Energy UK states, the results from these surveys can then be used as evidence to demonstrate the value of solar farms on the environment, acting as an incentive for further investment in the sector.
Solar farms, when developed conscientiously, have the power to enhance and strengthen the UK’s biodiversity. With a 10% biodiversity target, solar developments are a key tool to improve local environments and support wildlife.
Interested in working with a responsible solar developer? Get in touch with BLC Energy here