Solar Energy UK
18 May 2026
Clean energy infrastructure, “can actively support nature recovery,” said Tony Juniper CBE, Chair of Natural England, following a recent visit to an Essex solar farm.
“As we walked through wildflower meadows with Cetti’s Warblers singing from thick hedges, Whitethroats singing and newly arrived Swallows flying overhead, I was impressed by how this site has championed clean power while simultaneously supporting biodiversity,” he wrote in a blog post for the regulator.[1]
The visit was organised by Solar Energy UK sponsor member NextEnergy Group at its 21.2-megawatt Langenhoe site in Essex, which is managed by NextEnergy Capital. It is situated next to the Colne Estuary, a special protection area, Ramsar site and site of special scientific interest, close to the Essex Estuaries Special Area of Conservation.
SEUK Chief Executive Chris Hewett also attended.
The installation features measures for wintering birds associated with those sites, alongside wildflowers, scrub planting, bug hotels and hibernacula. Last year, a pair of corn buntings – on the British Trust for Ornithology’s red list – bred for the first time.
“Solar farms offer great opportunities for environmental enhancements on site. For example, some developers are investigating the potential for re-wetting peat soils beneath solar panels, to help store carbon and mitigate for climate change as well as providing habitat benefits,” Juniper wrote.
“Within individual sites, there are opportunities for multiple benefits to be gained from the land. For example, between and beneath solar panels, soils may be protected, wildflower habitats can be managed, and some grazing may be possible. Boundary features such as hedgerows and ditches may be enhanced for nature and to integrate the site into the landscape,” he added.
Tony Juniper is one of the giants of the environmental movement. Now in his third term as Chair of Natural England and formerly a director of Friends of the Earth and chair of 10:10, he was one of the key figures behind the Climate Change Act 2008 and the 2000 Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. From 2015 to 2019 he was President of the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts. His CBE was granted in 2017 for services to conservation.
Chris Hewett, CEO at Solar Energy UK said: “Solar farms, managed well, can boost nature and support farming, as well as generating clean, affordable electricity. Solar Energy UK has been working with its members for five years on ecological monitoring, best practice land management and creating major biodiversity gains on solar farms across the country.[2] Independent research from RSPB is now showing significant improvements in bird populations on solar farms compared to surrounding arable land.”[3]
“We were delighted to show the Natural England leadership around a solar farm to show what can be done for nature on these sites and look forward to working more closely with the team in the years to come,” he added.
Hing Kin Lee, Group Lead for Nature from NextEnergy Capital, said:
“At NextEnergy Capital, we design and manage solar with nature in mind from day one – not as an afterthought. By integrating biodiversity, land management and cost considerations early, we can identify key risks and dependencies upfront, from soil health to habitat connectivity and long-term land use.
“This approach reduces delivery risk, avoids costly late-stage mitigation and ultimately creates more resilient assets. In practice, it enables us to deliver solar farms that not only support climate goals, but also actively contribute to nature recovery while enhancing long-term performance and value.”
[1] Integrating clean power and the natural environment – Natural England
[2] Solar Habitat 2025 – Solar Energy UK
[3] Solar farms managed for nature can boost bird numbers and biodiversity – RSPB
– ENDS –
Editor’s notes:
For more information or to request an interview, please contact:
Gareth Simkins, Senior Communications Adviser
news@solarenergyuk.org | solarenergyuk.org
About Solar Energy UK: Solar Energy UK is the largest trade association representing the solar and battery storage sector. It represents over 400 member organisations. Its membership includes companies working across both rooftop and ground-mounted solar – delivering projects that contribute to a clean, secure energy system and help reduce energy bills for homes and businesses.
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Gareth Simkins
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