Lightsource Seek Local Involvement
UK solar farm developer and operator, Lightsource Renewable Energy, plans to submit a proposal for a solar farm on land south west of Bucks Cross. Lightsource has launched a "Get Involved" campaign seeking involvement from the local community in shaping the solar farm's design. It states that the project would not only generate enough clean electricity for the equivalent of 1,300 local homes, but would also create opportunities for local businesses, employment and the involvement of local conservation groups. Information on the campaign has been sent along with initial designs to the local community, with a drop-in information evening to follow on Tuesday 25th February at Woolsery Sports and Community Hall.
Conor McGuigan, Business Development Director at Lightsource Renewable Energy, comments, "The way a solar farm is laid out means that less than 1/3 of the land actually contains any infrastructure. In the case of our proposal close to Bucks Cross, this means that 19 out of the planned 27 acres of grassland within the solar farm remain completely open and uncovered. The grassland, historic hedgerows and field margins all need to be responsibly cared for and this involves much more than just technical solar expertise. There are many ways local residents and businesses can get involved - from the point of design right through to construction, fencing, and enhancing habitats for local wildlife."
The preliminary design of the solar farm sits within a cluster of small fields to the south west of Bucks Cross, at a site known locally as Walland Farm. The field pattern will be retained and strengthened by the proposal, with all historic hedgerows between the fields thickened with native species to enhance wildlife corridors and habitats. Spaces over 5 meters wide will be left between each row of panels, on which sheep will be grazed to give the land dual agricultural use. A Biodiversity Management Plan is also being drawn up to outline additional ways the solar farm can improve wildlife habitats.
Conor elaborates, "We have chosen to progress with our proposals for this area because it is already screened by well-defined hedgerows. We also plan to fill any gaps with native species which will provide additional habitat benefits for local wildlife.
"Our planners work in close consultation with ecologists to ensure that the solar farm will have a positive impact on biodiversity. We are still gathering the results of ecological assessments which will feed into this plan, and at this stage local suggestions are greatly received. If you have any ideas to put forward, or local conservation initiatives we can support, please get in touch."