50 larks among abundance of birdlife spotted at Dutch solar farm

At Solarcentury we design and manage our solar farms to enhance biodiversity. A review of our projects in the Netherlands makes reassuring reading and offers insights we can build on. Designs with nature in mind Solar panels are positioned to encourage rainwater and sunlight to reach the ground below. In the Netherlands, 25% of the ground is left uncovered alongside the panels, leaving a space for wildlife that’s well managed, with little disturbance, no use of pesticides and limited mowing. This space and tranquility brings wildlife without much interference. But we enhance what’s on site by digging pools for water-dwellers and installing homes for insects and small mammals. We plant native plants and trees, working with wildlife experts such as Dutch organisation Honey Highway, who advise us on what to sow to encourage wild bees.