A recent study, Solar farm management influences breeding bird responses in an arable-dominated landscape, examined how different solar farm management styles impact bird populations in the East Anglian Fens.
Researchers from the RSPB and the University of Cambridge conducted bird surveys across six small-scale solar farms and nearby arable farmland, recording species abundance and diversity.
Their results highlight the potential of well-managed solar farms to enhance biodiversity in agricultural landscapes—solar farms with mixed habitats hosted significantly more birds (31.5 per 4 ha) compared to those with simple habitats (17 per 4 ha) or arable land (11.9 per 4 ha). However, even with well managed solar farms, it is not all good news for all species. For example, while wood pigeons favoured solar farms, skylarks were more common on arable land. This isn’t surprising, as skylarks need long, open sightlines—something solar farms can’t provide.
KSCA contacted the lead authors Dr Joshua Copping and Dr Catherine Waite to understand how their research could inform the Kingsway Solar proposals. It’s important to note that their research focused on small-scale solar farms in intensively farmed arable areas of the Fens. Nevertheless, their work is key evidence that ongoing land management is critical.
Key takeaways based on their research:
- Solar farms with mixed habitats are better at supporting local bird populations than simple habitat solar farms or intensively farmed arable land.
- The study didn’t look at how construction of solar farms affects birds, so more research is needed.
- Some birds, like skylarks, may need specific strategies to avoid being displaced.
- No major differences were found between farmland near solar farms and further away.
- Lapwings and skylarks prefer open fields and don’t benefit from solar farms.
- More research is needed on how solar farms affect migrating birds, mammals and insects.
- Long-term monitoring, including citizen science, could provide better data.
- Solar farms should avoid sensitive natural areas and high-quality farmland.