Solar farms managed for nature can boost bird numbers and biodiversity

A new study shows how solar farms could help boost bird numbers and increase the variety of wildlife. With competing pressures on UK land, this offers a solution that would help the UK deliver on clean energy and for nature.

The research by scientists from the RSPB and University of Cambridge as part of the Centre for Landscape Regeneration found that – hectare for hectare – solar farms in agriculturally dominated East Anglia contained a greater number of bird species and overall number of birds than surrounding arable farmland.  

Solar farms managed with nature in mind and in areas with a greater mix of habitats proved the best performers, having the greatest variety of species and nearly three times as many birds compared to nearby arable farmland.  

The UK is committed to reaching net zero by 2050, which means moving from fossils fuels to clean energy such as solar and wind. Areas of land devoted to solar farms are increasing but are sometimes assumed to be bad for nature. Many of these new farms are likely to be sited on agricultural land in lowland England.  

However, such areas also contain relatively high densities of farmland bird species, many of which are already under pressure and have declining populations. Finding ways in productive landscapes to meet the UK’s climate and nature targets will be critical for a sustainable future.

The research, published in the journal Bird Study, took place in the East Anglian Fens and looked at two types of solar farms: those with a mix of habitats within the solar farm and those with a simpler associated habitat. Simple habitat was intensively managed, with no hedgerows along the boundaries and was constantly grazed by sheep. The mixed habitat solar farms had hedgerows around the edges, with no sheep grazing or grass cutting, leading to a greater diversity of flowering plants.   

The highest abundance of threatened bird species such as Corn Buntings, Yellowhammers and Linnets were found in mixed habitat solar farms and these were significantly higher than in both surrounding arable land and in the simple habitat solar sites. These mixed habitat solar sites also held the highest total abundance of bird species. This suggests that nature-friendly management practices could provide a significant boost for birds.  

Solar farms do not pose a threat to our national food security or food production, especially when built on low or moderate grade agricultural land. Helpfully, planning policies in Great Britain discourage solar farms from being built on high-grade agricultural land. Last year, the RSPB published a study that found there is sufficient land for nature restoration needs, while building the renewable energy infrastructure required for net zero – but achieving these goals in tandem will require planning that prioritises nature.

It's also vital that new solar farms are not located in areas of ecological risk, nature-protected sites and other sites that are important for rare or declining species. These continue to be vital refuges for wildlife and restoring such sites is crucial for meeting the Government’s legally binding nature recovery targets.