Could solar farms be a haven for British wildlife?

The report, from Solar Trade Association, underpinned by research from the Universities of York and Lancaster, sets out a growing body of evidence that well-designed and managed solar farms could provide a haven for British wildlife, including declining species such as foraging bats, yellowhammers and grey-legged partridges.

Is solar energy a 'wild energy'?

Joined by researchers from 11 other organizations, the study authors set out “ a framework for understanding more completely, and ultimately quantifying, the benefits of solar energy ” that they’ve dubbed Wild Energy.

How do solar farms benefit biodiversity?

Solar farms have a number of unique characteristics which benefit biodiversity. First, the land is paid for through solar power generation, so the pressure to remain agriculturally productive is reduced. Second, solar farms are usually sown with permanent grassland which is managed less intensively than the arable or pastureland it replaces.

What are solar-wildlife challenges?

Accom-panying this rapid growth of utility-scale solar facil-ities (also referred to as large-scale solar facilities) within the landscape are solar-wildlife challenges related to increased land conversion into solar facil-ities.

Can solar farms improve wildlife habitat?

At the same time, by providing habitat for native wildlife, solar farms can make the landscape more resilient to the efects of a changing climate. This document contains good practice guidance for the establishment and management of wildlife habitats for the benefit of biodiversity.

Can solar power create a wild-energy future?

“The first step in creating a wild-energy future is understanding the true value of solar,” said research project organizer and lead report author, Rebecca R. Hernandez, an assistant professor at UC Davis’ John Muir Institute of the Environment.