Around 60 visitors were able to gain an insight into how neighbouring solar farms are benefiting their community through supporting local businesses and enhancing the environment.
Lightsource Renewable Energy recently held an open day at two of its installations in Shropshire – one adjacent to Berriewood Farm at the disused Condover Airfield and another at nearby Stockbatch Farm, part of Pitchford Estate.
Visitors – which included local residents and members of the Midlands Country Land and Business Association (CLA) – were able to speak to the owners of the sites and learn how the projects have been integrated into the surrounding area.
The two solar farms, which work in tandem and export energy via the same gird connection, are capable of powering 5,600 homes – saving 9,700 tonnes of carbon emissions every year, the equivalent of taking 2,100 large family cars off the road.
As well as providing a source of clean, green renewable energy they have also helped to enhance wildlife habitats and support local businesses.
At the Pitchford Estate, which has an on-site sheep dairy, the panels provide shelter for 200 ewes, whose milk was used by nearby Ludlow Food Centre to produce its Shropshire Ewe, which won Best New Hard Cheese at this year’s British Cheese Awards.
James Nason, from Pitchford Estate, said: “It was critical to us that the land used for the solar farm continued in agricultural use and would enhance our sheep dairying operation.
“As a result the panels were specially raised above the ground to allow the sheep to graze comfortably underneath. Breeds of sheep used for their milk are generally not as hardy as those kept for meat – so the installation provides year-round partial shelter to help protect them from the rain and colder temperatures.”
Mr Nason said the whole process had seen good collaboration between the landowners, Lightsource and the local community.
“We were only too happy to show people around so they could find out how everything has been going,” he continued. “It’s been a huge boost – providing the Estate with extra income to invest in our sheep dairying and holiday cottages business and also helping us to become carbon neutral.”
The proposals for both solar farms also included bespoke plans to enhance biodiversity. Bird nest and bat roost boxes have been installed, while log and brash piles will be created within hedgerows to provide winter refuge for invertebrates, reptiles and amphibians.
At Berriewood Farm, where the solar panels were installed on the disused Condover Airfield, taller grassland vegetation is being encouraged to grow along field margins - providing nesting opportunities for birds, as well as nectar, pollen and shelter for invertebrates, amphibians and small mammals.
Over the winter there will be further planting of crab apple, holly, hazel, hawthorn, blackthorn, guilder rose and dog rose, while grass around and beneath the panels has already regrown.
The solar panels have also proved an impressive backdrop for Berriewood’s family run riding school and livery, which hosts several horse shows and events throughout the year.
Penny Cowdy, of Berriewood Farm, said: “The project runs very well alongside our equestrian business. The horses are very comfortable with the solar panels as they are quiet and stationery.
“The solar layout has enabled us to design a new and innovative cross country course with a different back drop. We also hope to have sheep grazing under the panels very soon.”
Tom Beeley, CLA national renewables adviser who opened the solar farm, said: “This is a fine example of how solar power can be integrated alongside existing land use and provide biodiversity benefits. Our members own or manage around half the rural land in England and Wales, and there are tremendous opportunities for helping mitigate climate change as well as helping ensure energy security.”
Conor McGuigan, Planning and Development Director at Lightsource, said: “We take our responsibilities to the communities that host our solar farms very seriously and open days such as this are an excellent way for people to gain a first-hand insight into how the installations are proving to be a real benefit.
“It’s also a chance for visitors to chat to the landowners and raise any questions that they might have with members of our team.
“The sites at the Pitchford Estate and Berriewood are excellent examples of how solar farms can successfully integrate into the surrounding area – providing a clean, green source of renewable energy, supporting local businesses and acting as a haven for wildlife.”
