Bear Environmental Ltd have been appointed as ecological consultants for two ground solar farm sites in the south of England with 12 and 3.1 MW capacity respectively. Following a series of rigorous planning procedures and in order to meet the EU renewable energy targets by 2020, these projects will enhance the UKs solar power capability.
From an ecological perspective the land used for a solar farm has the potential to be enhanced for wildlife. The ground beneath the panels can be used for either grazing or to benefit biodiversity such as through wildflower planting.
Providing specialist ecological advise, Bear Environmental’s role will be to complete botanical monitoring of both sites and updating all management plans in agreement with the local planning authority. This will also be supported by the submission of National Vegetation Classification survey technical report.
Mike Stopa, Director of Environmental Services, Bear Environmental Ltd, says: “We are very happy to begin collaboration with this innovative and ambitious renewable energy company. Providing biodiversity advice for ground mounted systems is on-going testament to our reputation as providing a high standard of ecological consultancy values and services’’.
