Ecological Enhancements

As this site is known to be in an area of archaeological interest and includes Iron Age and Romano-British remains, all works carried out were in accordance with a controlled watching brief comprising archaeological observation, investigation, recording, analysis and publication.

To create a lasting ecological legacy and to improve the ecology and biodiversity, 2000 native broadleaf trees were planted to create a two-acre wet woodland next to the stream. Species include: oak, alder, willow, aspen, birch, wild cherry, field maple, hazel, hawthorn, Guelder rose, elder and alder buckthorn. A new native hedge was created to the southern boundary with species including hawthorn, hazel, field maple, dogwood and Guelder rose. Other hedges have been improved and more mature trees have also been planted in key locations. 

On the Eastern side of the solar farm, an area of fallow grassland designed to encourage habitation of ground nesting birds is succeeding in its purpose as skylarks can be seen regularly flying in and around the solar array.