Solar Farms and Skylarks

Solar Farms & Skylarks explores the relationship between solar farm development, planning policy, and the conservation of Skylarks in England. As a red-listed farmland bird species, Skylarks have experienced significant population declines due to agricultural intensification and habitat loss.

This publication brings together the available research and policy guidance to help planning authorities, developers, and environmental professionals make informed decisions where solar energy projects may affect breeding Skylarks. It examines the ecological impacts of solar farms, the opportunities they present for biodiversity enhancement, and the range of mitigation and compensation measures available to support Skylark conservation while enabling the transition to renewable energy