Solar Farms Can Boost Wildlife and Support Net Zero Goals, Study Finds

A new study from the RSPB and the University of Cambridge has revealed that solar farms managed for nature can significantly increase bird numbers and biodiversity—providing a win-win solution for both clean energy and wildlife. The findings challenge the assumption that solar farms are bad for nature, instead highlighting their potential to contribute to both the UK’s climate targets and its urgent need for nature recovery.

Solar Farms: A Haven for Birds

The study, published in Bird Study, examined solar farms in East Anglia and found that:

• Solar farms hosted nearly three times as many birds as surrounding arable farmland.
• The best-performing solar farms were those with mixed habitats, including hedgerows and flowering plants.
• These nature-friendly sites attracted declining farmland bird species, such as Corn Buntings, Yellowhammers, and Linnets.

This research reinforces what conservationists and Green campaigners have long argued: we don’t need to choose between clean energy and nature recovery—we can and must deliver both.

The UK’s Climate & Nature Emergency

The UK is committed to reaching net zero by 2050, which requires a rapid shift away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy. Solar farms will play a crucial role in this transition, yet they have faced opposition from those who claim they harm food production or biodiversity.

However, the study shows that solar farms built on low or moderate-grade farmland—in line with existing planning policies—do not pose a threat to food security. In fact, many agricultural lands are already failing wildlife due to intensive farming. Well-managed solar farms can provide much-needed refuges for declining species.

Green Party: A Future of Clean Energy & Thriving Wildlife

The Green Party has long pushed for a strategic, well-planned approach to renewable energy development that protects and restores nature while rapidly decarbonising the economy. Our policies include:

• A rapid expansion of solar and wind power to provide clean, affordable energy for all.
• Stronger protections for wildlife in planning decisions, ensuring nature-positive development.
• Community-owned energy projects to give local people control over how renewable energy is delivered in their areas.
• A shift towards nature-friendly farming to reverse decades of biodiversity loss.

This latest study adds to the growing evidence that we can tackle both the climate crisis and the biodiversity crisis together—if we make the right choices now. The Green Party will continue fighting for policies that ensure we invest in renewables the right way, delivering for people, nature, and the planet.

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