Proposed Solar Park Poulshot Lodge, nr Devizes, Wiltshire Prepared by Pegasus Group | On behalf of HIVE Energy Ltd | October 2013 | H.0388.06

Environmental Enhancement Plan

Pegasus Group Contents

PAGE 5 PAGE 9 PAGE 15 1 2 3

PROPOSALS SURROUNDING AREA THE SITE

PAGE 19 PAGE 27 PAGE 31 4 5 6

LANDSCAPE ACCESS & ECOLOGY PROPOSALS RECREATION

PAGE 37 PAGE 41 PAGE 45 7 8 9

EDUCATIONAL & SOCIAL & ECONOMIC SUMMARY COMMUNITY BENEFITS BENEFITS

2 Poulshot Lodge Solar Park Environmental Enhancement Plan The Vision The development of renewable energy is being encouraged in response to European Union renewable energy obligations, the UK Government’s efforts to reduce the amount of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) being emitted into the atmosphere, to counteract the effects of climate change, and to replace shortages in the supply of fossil fuels.

The UK is now committed to sourcing 15% of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2020. In 2009 the achieved figure was under 2%. Solar is a natural resource that until now has not been utilised to its full extent in the UK.

Photovoltaic modules have several advantages over other power generating equipment. A major benefit of solar compared to other forms of energy generation is the extremely low impact on the environment and local area. The panels are non-polluting, low level, static and silent.

This Environmental Enhancement Plan sets out a vision for the site proposed for the Poulshot Lodge solar park near Devizes in Wiltshire , to demonstrate how the introduction of the solar park will result in benefits to the environmental resource and to the local community. The report has been produced to help demonstrate where the opportunities for such environmental and socio-economic benefits will occur as and when the Poulshot Lodge solar park proposals are implemented. In order to achieve this aim there are a number of supporting objectives:

• to improve and enhance the landscape features and character of the site;

• to implement a range of on-site habitat improvements to encourage wildlife;

• to contribute to improvements that will improve the ecology and visual amenity of the site and the surrounding area;

• to contribute to initiatives to help improve community facilities;

• to consider interpretation and educational resources to encourage a better understanding of the area’s environmental heritage.

Poulshot Lodge Solar Park Environmental Enhancement Plan 3

Proposals

The solar park at Poulshot Lodge, near Devizes, Wiltshire will use the 01 latest Photovoltaic technology.

Image: Indication of the proposals once installed

5 Site Location Plan

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6 Poulshot Lodge Solar Park Environmental Enhancement Plan

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0 500m 1. Poulshot Lodge Solar Park Proposals

1.1 The solar park at Poulshot Lodge near Devizes in Wiltshire is 16 The Solar Panels are low profile at approximately 2.2 metres intended to use the latest Photovoltaic technology to produce above ground. The site will be secured at the perimeter with a approximately 16 megawatts of renewable energy. dark green weld mesh fence to a height of 1.8m.

1.2 The proposals consist of the installation of Photovoltaic (PV) 1.7 The proposed panels are intended to be erected for a period of panels laid out in rows running from east to west across the site 25 years. and orientated to face south so that they maximise the energy they receive from the sun.

1.3 Each array will be mounted on a simple metal framework. The panels would be mounted at around 0.8 metres from the ground at the lowest edge, rising to approximately 2.2 metres at the highest point (the rearmost edge). Each row would be mounted on a rack supported by pile driven foundations spaced at between 3 and 8m intervals. Each panel will be tilted at an angle of 20 degrees from the horizontal to maximise exposure to the sun.

1.4 Vehicular access would be provided along the existing track to the west of the site from the A361.

1.5 Photovoltaic panels convert sunlight to electricity. The Photovoltaic panels are a collection of wafer thin silicone cells laminated together and placed onto a substrate, covered with protective glass and inserted into an aluminium frame to form a single Photovoltaic module. The Sun’s rays or light particles known as photons produce an electrical current as they strike the surface of the thin silicon wafers. Each solar panel has 72 individual cells wired in series producing around 40 volts. The individual solar cells are arranged in long rows as it builds and increases current.

Poulshot Lodge Solar Park Environmental Enhancement Plan 7

Surrounding Area

The proposed development is not located within an environmentally sensitive area or subject to any 02 designations.

Image: View from White Horse Trail

99 KEY KEY 5km 5km Site Boundary Site Boundary

Area of Outstanding Natural BeautyArea of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) (AONB)

Special Landscape Area Special Landscape Area

Scheduled Monument Scheduled Monument

Grade I Listed Building (within 2km)Grade I Listed Building (within 2km)

Grade II* Listed Building (withinGrade 2km) II* Listed Building (within 2km)

Grade II Listed Building (within 2km)Grade II Listed Building (within 2km)

Listed Buildings Listed Buildings 2km 2km Conservation Area Conservation Area

Poulshot Lodge Poulshot Lodge

Landscape Designations &Landscape Visual Designations & Visual Receptor plan Receptor plan

Drawn by: AD/JS CheckedDrawn by: PDby: AD/JS Checked by: PD

Date: 10.10.13 H.0388_03-BDate: 10.10.13 H.0388_03-B

1:45,000 @ A3 1:45,000 @ A3

I T 01285 641717 I F 01285 642348 I www.pegasuspg.co.uk I Environmental Designations Plan I T 01285 641717 I F 01285 642348 I www.pegasuspg.co.uk I 0 2 km0 2 km Copyright Pegasus Planning Group Ltd. Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Copyright Licence number 100042093 I Promap Licence number 100020449. Copyright Pegasus Planning Group Ltd. Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Copyright Licence number 100042093 I Promap Licence number 100020449. Pegasus Environmental is part of Pegasus Planning Group Ltd. Drawing prepared for planning. All Queries to be reported to Pegasus for clarification Pegasus Environmental is part of Pegasus Planning Group Ltd. Drawing prepared for planning. All Queries to be reported to Pegasus for clarification

10 Poulshot Lodge Solar Park Environmental Enhancement Plan 2. The Surrounding Area

2.1 Whilst the proposed development site does not include any landscape designations recognised at national, regional or local 2.5 The site is surrounded by a mixture of arable and pastoral level there are a number of designations in the surrounding farmland and rural development. Hence the surrounding area. settlement pattern is rural in character with a mixture of modern and traditional buildings. A small number of residential 2.2 The North Wessex Downs AONB lies approximately 4.5km to the properties are located within 1km of the site including a number north-east of the site. There is also a Special Landscape Area of farms. There are large scale agricultural buildings and sheds (SLA) located approximately 3.5km to the north of the site near at Poulshot Lodge, Barleyhill Farm, Loiterton Farm, Turners Bromham. Farm and Broomhayes Farm.

2.3 The closest Scheduled Monument is Caen Hill Locks, located 2.6 The site is located approximately 0.5km to the north-west of approximately 1km to the north east of the site. Poulshot, 1.7km to the west of Devizes and 1.1km to the east of Seend. It is visually separated from the surrounding residential 2.4 There are a number of Conservation Areas in the vicinity of area by areas of vegetation and landform. the site, the two nearest are Poulshot Conservation Area located 0.5km to the south-east of the site and Seend Gifford 2.7 Woodland cover in the surrounding area is formed by Conservation area 3.5km to the south-west. variable sized plantations and linear blocks of woodland often

Agricultural field use with associated residential and agricultural buildings around the site from Durlett Road. The overhead pylons are prominent local features.

Poulshot Lodge Solar Park Environmental Enhancement Plan 11 associated with watercourses and field boundaries.

2.8 The surrounding landscape is undulating with local highpoints located west of the site and at the village of Seend, approximately 70 – 95m AOD. Other local highpoints include Furze Hill at approximately 110m AOD, 2km south-east of the site and Caen Hill at approximately 115m AOD north-east of the site.

2.9 The Kennet and Avon Canal lies approximately 0.2km at its nearest point to the north of the site and runs east-west. The Canal has been converted to the Caen Hill Locks to the west of Devizes which lies approximately 1km to the north-east of the site. There is also a small marina, part of the Kennet and Avon Canal lies to the north of the site on the other side of the A361. View from Caen Hill Locks.

2.10 A number of busy public highways are situated in the immediate vicinity of the site. The busy A361 lies to the immediate north of the site. The A365 lies approximately 0.65km to the north-west of the site. The B3101 lies approximately 0.85km to the north- east of the site. Unclassified rural lanes are located on Devizes Road / Poulshot Road 0.4km to the east of the site.

View from junction of A361 and A365, looking east to south-east towards the proposed development.

12 Poulshot Lodge Solar Park Environmental Enhancement Plan 2.11 Overhead pylons and powerlines cross the north-east corner of the site. Telegraph poles and pylons form a prominent vertical element within the local landscape.

View from White Horse Trail long distance footpath looking south showing the undulating landform dotted with overhead Pylons.

View from Devizes Road, near Poulshot Lodge looking west, north-west.

Poulshot Lodge Solar Park Environmental Enhancement Plan 13 14 Poulshot Lodge Solar Park Environmental Enhancement Plan The Site

The site is comprised of four irregular shaped fields enclosed by hedgerows with mature trees and is currently 03 under arable production.

Image: View from Devizes Road, near Poulshot Lodge

Poulshot Lodge Solar Park Environmental Enhancement Plan 15 3. The Site 3.1 The site for the proposed solar park at Poulshot Lodge covers buildings within vegetated garden plots. Large scale agricultural an area of 32.2 hectares. It is located approximately 0.5km buildings and sheds are located within the surroundings of to the north-west of Poulshot, 1.7km to the west of Devizes Poulshot Lodge, Barleyhill Farm, Loiterton Farm, Broomhayes and 1.1km to the east of Seend within the Wiltshire Council Farm, Turner’s Farm and Lower Foxhanger’s Farm. administrative area. 3.6 The site has undulating topography varying between 52 and 3.2 The development site itself consists of four irregular, medium to 70m Above Ordnance Datum (AOD), and is largely south, south- small sized arable fields enclosed by hedgerows, hedgebanks, westerly sloping. occasional ditches, with mature trees. It includes a double- ditched field boundary on an east-west alignment in the centre 3.7 A large electricity pylon line runs along the north-east corner of the site. A mature woodland block is situated between the of the site, with several telegraph poles running north-west and eastern and central parts of the site. south-west within the site.

3.3 The A361 is located along the northern boundary of the site, 3.8 The field boundaries are enclosed by a combination of dense, with access down an existing track west of the site from this overgrown hedgerows with mature trees, woodland and wire road. fencing in places. The site is visually contained within these boundaries and separated from the wider urban area of Rowde, 3.4 A mixture of arable and pastoral farmland together with rural Devizes, Seend and Poulshot. developments surround the site, with the urban areas within Devizes, Rowde, Poulshot and Seend and the Kennet and Avon 3.9 A bridleway and part of the White Horse Trail runs along the Canal to the north of the site. eastern boundary of the site, whilst a bridleway and public right of way lies beyond the south-west boundary of the site. 3.5 The settlement and development pattern surrounding the site is rural in character with a mixture of traditional and modern

View from southern corner of the site looking north, north-west.

16 Poulshot Lodge Solar Park Environmental Enhancement Plan View from the White Horse Trail, east of site, looking north west.

Poulshot Lodge Solar Park Environmental Enhancement Plan 17

Landscape Proposals

Enabling the strengthening and enhancement of landscape features by sensitive management and new planting will provide ecological 04 benefits.

Image: View from Durlett Road, nr Rowde Hill Farm looking south-east to

site 1919 Indicative Site Layout and Landscape Proposals Plan

20 Poulshot Lodge Solar Park Environmental Enhancement Plan 4. Landscape Proposals Trees

4.1 As part of the proposed Poulshot Lodge solar park, new tree 4.3 All existing hedgerows and trees, will be retained as part of the and hedgerow tree planting will take place. The benefits of such proposals and protected as necessary during the construction improved tree and hedgerow cover will be to: period. The existing mature woodland block between the eastern and central parts of the site will be unaffected by • provide greater physical continuity in the landscape the proposals, with ecological enhancement measures

• strengthen characteristic features of the landscape implemented to improve the quality of the habitats provided within this area. • improve the visual amenity of the site and its surroundings 4.4 The opportunity will be taken to introduce new tree planting • strengthen the field pattern of the site and its where feasible throughout the the site. This will increase the surroundings levels of biodiversity and link existing hedgerows and woodland • establish and strengthen linkages between woodland together to enable more connectivity for wildlife foraging routes areas and bat flight lines.

• enhance the habitat on the site with long term preservation of the land 4.5 This planting will include the creation of two new copses using native species within the north eastern corner and on • create more shelter and encourage and support wildlife the western boundary of the site, with the extension of a small and flora wooded area within the centre of the site. This will reinforce the site’s character with the surrounding area and wider 4.2 There are a number of mitigation and enhancement countryside and would also increase habitat opportunities opportunities to be fulfilled with the landscape proposals in the within the site. environment enhancement plan. These methods aim to retain, enhance and recreate the landscape features within the site to 4.6 In addition, there would be an extension of the existing reinforce the character of the site. woodland block in the southern part of the site; planting of similar species will improve the woodland network and link existing habitats.

View of the mature woodland block between the eastern and central parts of the site, from the east of the site

Poulshot Lodge Solar Park Environmental Enhancement Plan 21 Hedgerows 4.7 The existing character of the site is of medium to small sized arable farmland with dense hedgerow and hedgebank boundaries. These serve to enclose the site and limit views both into and out of the site.

4.8 As part of the Poulshot Lodge solar park proposals the opportunity will be taken to maintain the existing strong framework of hedgerows. This will include hedgerow Oak tree planting around all of the site boundaries, particularly along the A361 to the north of the site, and along the remaining eastern, southern and western site boundaries.

4.9 This will help to visually and physically contain any impacts associated with the proposals for the solar panels and would maintain the hedgerow and hedgebank boundaries to

Enhanced field margins to be created between existing hedgerow and strengthen the landscape character of the site. proposed perimeter fencing

4.10 In addition, it is proposed to enhance wildlife margins alongside existing hedgerows in order to improve the biodiversity of these features. The margin will ensure the protection of the roots of the existing hedgerows from disturbance by the development and allow for the creation of wide habitat areas.

4.11 The existing hedges on site would need to be trimmed every two or three years in rotation. This will allow the existing species to flower and fruit more freely which in turn will benefit insects, birds and small mammals. Trimming of established hedgerows will normally be done by machine.

4.12 The aim of trimming the established hedges is to produce a hedge that is roughly A-shaped. A-shaped hedges are more able to resist the wind and provide shelter during the winter. Birds also prefer to rest higher off the ground away from predators, A-shaped hedges are best suited to providing height.

Existing hedgerow forming site boundary will be retained

22 Poulshot Lodge Solar Park Environmental Enhancement Plan View from the bridleway, east of the site, looking north-west towards the existing hedgerows which will be retained and enhanced.

View from the bridleway, east of the site, towards the field boundary which is to be improved with enhanced wildlife margin along existing hedgerow.

View from the A361 layby, looking south-east across the hedgerow boundary where there are opportunities to plant hedgerow Oak trees.

Poulshot Lodge Solar Park Environmental Enhancement Plan 23 24 Poulshot Lodge Solar Park Environmental Enhancement Plan Access and Recreation

The public rights of way and bridleways in the vicinity of the site are well connected to the wider area and will be unaffected by the 05 development.

Image: View from junction of bridleway and White Horse Trail, east of site

Poulshot Lodge Solar Park Environmental Enhancement Plan 2525 View from junction of bridleway and White Horse Trail, east of site looking west 26 Poulshot Lodge Solar Park Environmental Enhancement Plan 5. Access and Recreation

5.1 Access to the site is down the existing track from the A361 to the west of the site. An existing area of hard standing provides space for turning vehicles.

5.2 There are a number of Public Right of Way routes and bridleways outside the site boundary. The bridleway and the White Horse Trail Long Distance Footpath follows part of the eastern boundary and connects to Poulshot, to the south.

5.3 The Mid Wilts Way Long Distance Footpath running along the Kennet and Avon Canal is situated to the north of the site.

5.4 As part of the Poulshot Lodge solar park proposals the opportunity will be taken to strengthen and enhance the hedges that provide shelter and screening to users of these routes.

View from the bridleway to the south of the site

View from Oliver’s Castle Fort (North Wessex Downs AONB) looking south west

Poulshot Lodge Solar Park Environmental Enhancement Plan 27 28 Poulshot Lodge Solar Park Environmental Enhancement Plan Ecology

Ecological enhancements will increase the biodiversity and 06 habitat on the site.

Image: Winter berries

Poulshot Lodge Solar Park Environmental Enhancement Plan 2929 Sheep grazing amongst solar panels 30 Poulshot Lodge Solar Park Environmental Enhancement Plan 6. Ecology 6.5 The meat will then be supplied from the Poulshot Lodge Farm 6.1 The overall benefits of habitat creation will be to: Shop as a further diversification enterprise for the landowner.

• improve the site and the surrounding area to enable both Wildflower Field Margins plants and wildlife to flourish

• consolidate and strengthen the value of wildlife corridors 6.5 The arrangement of the panels within the site allows for a • encourage new species of fauna and flora to establish wide 5 metre landscape margin of wildflower grassland to be themselves on site and in the surrounding area introduced between the existing hedgerows and perimeter • strengthen the position of those species of flora and fencing, this will increase to a 10m margin along the southern fauna already present on and around the site boundary.

• enhance wildlife margins alongside existing hedgerows in order to manage and enhance the biodiversity of these 6.6 The wildflower field margins would be seeded with suitable features species ensuring that the grassland contains species of a local provenance that will thrive in the environment and populate the Regenerated Grassland fields.

6.2 The bottom edge of the solar panel is 0.8 metres above the 6.7 Within the margins the grassland will be allowed to grow ground and the panel rows are spaced between 3 and 8m apart. longer. This longer grass would be of benefit to certain animals, The arrangement and spacing of the individual solar panels, amphibians and potentially reptiles by providing foraging and together with the comparatively wide gap between rows mean areas to live and breed. grass can be grown beneath. The proposed solar park would provide an opportunity to convert the land out of intensive arable 6.8 The field margins potentially offers suitable habitat for common production into a regenerated grassland. reptiles such as Slow-worm and Grass Snake.

6.3 The site currently consists of four irregular, medium to small arable fields. Following the installation of the panels, to obtain a regenerated grassland, the fields would be left to naturally regenerate, ensuring that the grassland contains species of a local provenance that will thrive in the environment and populate the fields. This regenerated grassland will be allowed to grow naturally.

6.4 Sheep will be introduced into the fields to manage and maintain the grassland. Grazing on the plant material, the sheep will enhance the structure and composition of the regenerated grassland by controlling more aggressive species which might dominate . Wildflower grassland mix around the panels.

Poulshot Lodge Solar Park Environmental Enhancement Plan 31 6.9 Areas of longer grass and field margins are also valuable for attracting invertebrates such as butterflies. The field margins would be particularly important during the spring and summer when they will provide an important food source for birds.

Bats

6.10 Approximately 11 bat species are known to be present within Bat Boxes Schwegler bat boxes are made from ‘woodcrete’ and have the highest rates of occupation of the vicinity of the site, these include the Common Pipistrelle, all types of box. The 75% wood sawdust, clay and concrete mixture is ideal, being durable whilst allowing natural respiration and temperature stability. These boxes are rot and predator proof and Soprano pipistrelle Barbastelle, Noctule and Brown Long- extremely long lasting. Boxes can be hung from a branch near the tree trunk or fixed using ‘tree-friendly’ aluminum eared bat. Several mature trees situated along the field nails. Common Pipistrelle Bat Barn Owls boundaries offer potential bat roosting opportunities. However,

no bat records were returned from the 1km site search area. 2F Bat Box

A standard bat box, attractive to the smaller British bat species. There are limited opportunities for foraging and commuting Simple design with a narrow entrance slit on the front. activity in the existing intensive arable fields, however the Woodcrete construction, 16cm diameter, height 33cm. boundary hedgerows and mature trees provide good quality bat commuting and foraging habitat, therefore small numbers of bats are likely to pass through the site. 2FN Bat Box

A large bat box featuring a wide access slit at the base as well as an access hole on the underside. Particularly successful in attracting Noctule and Bechstein’s bats.

6.11 No tree or hedgerow removal will be required in order to Woodcrete construction, 16cm diameter, height 36cm. Sky Lark (sussexbirder) Lapwing facilitate the development, so the development will not result in the loss of potential roost sites or foraging habitats such as

hedgerows and woodland. 1FD SchweglerBat Box 1FD Bat Box A larger than standard bat box, with two additional A larger than standard bat box, with two additional roughened Bird Boxesl woodenroughened panels inside to woodenbe used by the panels bats as perches. inside to be used by the bats Schwegler bird boxes haveWoodcrete theas highest construction,perches rates of occupation16cm diameter, of all heighttypes of36cm. box. 6.12 The proposed native tree and hedgerow Oak tree planting will They are designed to mimic natural nest sites and provide. a stable environment with the right thermal properties for chick rearing and winter roosting. Boxes are made from ‘Woodcrete’. This 75% wood sawdust, clay and concrete mixture is increase foraging and potentially roosting opportunities for bats breathable and very durable making these bird boxes extremely long lasting. within and adjacent to the site. 1BSchwegler Bird Box 1B Bird Box ThisThis is the most is popularthe mostbox for garden popular birds and appeals box to fora garden birds and ap- wide range of species. The box can be hung from a branch Bat and Bird Boxes or nailedpeals to the totrunk a of widea tree with range a ‘tree-friendly’ of aluminium species. The box can be hung nail. from a branch or nailed to the trunk of a tree with a Available in four colours and three entrance hole sizes. 26mm for small tits, 32mm‘tree-friendly’ standard size and oval, for redstarts. aluminium nail. 6.13 A range of bat boxes will be provided throughout the site but site. It is anticipated that these boxes will be located at suitable particularly concentrated within the existing trees along the 2H Bird Box

site boundary. Several of the boxes will be suitable for roosting This boxpoints is attractive toincluding robins, pied wagtails, spottedwithin flycatcher, the hedgerows along the site boundaries wrens and black redstarts. Best sited on the walls of buildings with the entrance on one whilst others will allow for the bats to hibernate. The provision side. and on existing hedgerow trees. Schwegler boxes have the highest occupation rates of all box types. They are carefully designed to mimic natural nest sites and provide a stable environment for chick rearing and winter of bat boxes will encourage bats to remain in the area and to roosting. They can be expected to last 25 years or more without maintenance. move into the area. 6.15 Different styles of box design will attract different species of 2M Bird Box

bird, bats andA free-hangingwith boxlarger offering greater open protection from fronted predators. boxes suitable for Barn Supplied complete with hanger which loops and fastens around a branch. 6.14 Similarly, a range of bird boxes will be provided throughout the Owls. With standard general-purpose 32mm diameter entrance hole. Schwegler boxes have the highest occupation rates of all box types. They are carefully designed to mimic natural nest sites and provide a stable environment for chick rearing and winter roosting. They can be expected to last 25 years or more without maintenance. 32 Poulshot Lodge Solar Park Environmental Enhancement Plan Birds

6.16 A variety of protected and notable birds have been recorded as being present within 1km of the site. These include the Yellowhammer which is listed on the Red List Birds of Conservation Concern and the UK Biodiversity Action Plan

6.17 Birds listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and recorded within the vicinity of the site, this includes the Kingfisher and Little Egret. Honey bees Wildflower grassland 6.18 The regenerated grassland habitats, together with the installation of Apiary’s and bee hives. The potential to use bees hedgerows, shrubs, mature trees and woodland within and will be in explored using the expertise of local bee keepers. bordering the site, are likely to support a suite of breeding birds typical of grassland and woodland habitats in the region. Other Animals

6.19 In order to avoid impacts on nesting birds and to ensure 6.23 Badgers are recorded within the vicinity of the site, however compliance with the provisions of the Birds Directive and their movement will be unaffected by the proposals as boundary the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), any fencing is designed with gaps to maintain movement of small construction requiring vegetation removal will take place mammals. outside of the bird breeding season (March-September inclusive). If vegetation works are necessary during the breeding 6.24 During the field surveys, no evidence was found of Hazel season, suitable nesting habitat should be hand-searched by a Dormouse. Although no evidence of the Brown Hare was suitably experienced ecologist prior to works commencing. recorded it is possible that due to the suitable habitats found on site, the Brown Hare will utilise the site on a transient basis. 6.20 The proposed native tree, hedgerow tree planting and marginal In addition, no Great Crested Newts or amphibian species were grassland will increase foraging and potential nesting found during the surveys. Despite this, it is considered that the opportunities for ground nesting birds such as the Skylark and Common Frog may be present within the site. Lapwing within and adjacent to the site. Boundaries Bees 6.25 The perimeter fencing would be designed with gaps along the 6.21 A wildflower grassland will be seeded in the field margins using bottom located at regular intervals. These gaps would allow bee friendly species to encourage honey bees to use the site small mammals to easily cross the fence line and access the and in turn, pollinate the surrounding area. area of regenerated grassland beneath the solar panels, it would also ensure existing forage routes around the field are 6.22 Hive Energy is a corporate member of the British Bee Keepers kept open. Association (BBKA) and will explore opportunities for the

Poulshot Lodge Solar Park Environmental Enhancement Plan 33 34 Poulshot Lodge Solar Park Environmental Enhancement Plan Educational and Community Benefits

Opportunities will be explored to incorporate a ‘teaching area’ and an interpretation board within the site to enable local people to learn 07 about Poulshot Lodge solar park.

Image: School children learning about solar energy (www.renewableenergyworld.com)

35 Typical grassland within a solar park

36 Poulshot Lodge Solar Park Environmental Enhancement Plan 7. Educational and Community Benefits

7.1 As part of the Poulshot Lodge solar park proposals the opportunity will be taken to explore opportunities for educational and community benefits to encourage the teaching of local school children and residents about solar parks.

7.2 For example, an information board could be placed in a suitable location for users and will contain facts on the Poulshot Lodge solar park and will explain the benefits of renewable energy and how Photovoltaic panels work in harnessing the sun’s energy. The board would also describe how the panels sit within the existing landscape, allowing enhancements to local biodiversity and continued agricultural use by the land owner.

Learning about renewable energy 7.3 The space located around the interpretation board could also be available for use as a low-key outdoor educational platform where learning could take place in the rural countryside. Local school pupils could utilise the space to learn about the levels of electricity generated from the solar park and the amount of CO2 saved, thereby enabling a greater understanding of the technology and the benefits it brings.

7.4 There is the opportunity to open discussions with the Parish Council post planning consent regarding the potential to discuss installing solar panels on the roof of the village hall or to discover other benefits that could be agreed upon locally. These benefits could enable the parish to meet on-going energy needs from renewable free energy, with the added benefit of providing the buildings with an income from any energy they do not use.

Example of an interpretation board for a solar park

Poulshot Lodge Solar Park Environmental Enhancement Plan 37 38 Poulshot Lodge Solar Park Environmental Enhancement Plan Social and Economic Benefits

An improved, more biodiverse environment will be created through the implementation of the 08 Environmental Enhancement Plan

Image: View from Oliver’s Castle Fort (North Wessex Downs AONB)

Poulshot Lodge Solar Park Environmental Enhancement Plan 3939 Example of a village hall with solar panels

40 Poulshot Lodge Solar Park Environmental Enhancement Plan 8. Social & Economic Benefits

8.1 Hive Energy endeavours to bring benefits to local communities from each of their solar parks. As such, there will be a number of social and economic benefits arising from the Poulshot Lodge solar park scheme.

8.2 The implementation of the environmental enhancement plan will help to engage with the local community and encourage them to develop their pride of place.

8.3 In addition to exploring the opportunities for educational areas, interpretation boards may also be incorporated into the park. The board would make reference to the ecology of the site and the range of enhancements that will have taken place as a result of the solar park being created and the implementation of the environmental enhancement plan.

8.4 The production of the information board would provide an opportunity for the community to have a degree of involvement in the development of their context. The Local Authority, schools and specialist interest groups such as the local wildlife and history societies might have useful contributions to make.

8.5 There is the potential for local people to work together to plant trees and manage hedgerows and for those people to enjoy some direct benefit from getting personally involved.

8.6 A better, truly greener, environment will be created through the implementation of the environmental enhancement plan that will leave a long term legacy of environmental benefits throughout, and beyond the duration of the scheme.

Poulshot Lodge Solar Park Environmental Enhancement Plan 41 42 Poulshot Lodge Solar Park Environmental Enhancement Plan Summary

Development of the Poulshot Lodge solar park will bring a range of environmental benefits to the site and its surroundings as well as wildlife benefits to the local 09 community

Image: Generic image of Photovoltaic panels

Poulshot Lodge Solar Park Environmental Enhancement Plan 4343 9. Summary

9.1 Development of the Poulshot Lodge solar park and the 9.6 In addition, with the ecological and landscape proposals as implementation of the environmental enhancement plan will part of the environment enhancement plan, the impacts on bring a range of environmental benefits to the site and its the existing landscape features would be negligible due to the surroundings as well as social benefits to the local community. favourable topography, natural containment of the field and benign nature of the PV structures. 9.2 The site covers an area of 32.2 hectares of arable land, consisting of four irregular medium to small sized fields. The 9.7 The retention of the existing features, particularly the mature solar park will lie within the core of the fields and will utilise the trees, together with the regenerated grassland, field margins latest Photovoltaic technology. It will produce approximately 16 and hedgerow improvements with the planting of hedgerow megawatts of energy. Oak trees will together strengthen and maintain the existing character of the landscape and site boundary. 9.3 It is expected that works to implement the environmental enhancement plan could commence as soon as construction of 9.8 The extension of the existing woodland block in the southern the solar park begins. part of the site with the planting of similar species will improve the woodland network and link existing habitats. Whilst 9.4 The development proposals are considered acceptable within unnecessary shadowing of the solar panels will be minimised the open countryside as the proposals are for a restricted period by setting the developed extent of the site back from the mature of 25 years where after the site will revert back into agricultural woodland and tree belts. use. 9.9 In addition, new native tree planting in the form of two copses 9.5 There would be ecological and biodiversity benefits in terms of is proposed to the north eastern corner, and western extent the introduction of new native planting along the site boundaries of the site. This would reinforce the site’s connection with the and grassland management beneath and between the panels. surrounding area and the wider countryside and would also increase habitat opportunities within the site.

Photomontage showing the proposals from Public Right of Way, south of Loiterton Farm

44 Poulshot Lodge Solar Park Environmental Enhancement Plan 9.10 A change from the intensively farmed arable fields, the areas woodland areas will also enable wildlife in the site. Similarly the beneath the solar panels, around the margins of the site gaps incorporated underneath the perimeter fence will allow for and between the string of panels can be utilised with the continued movement and passage of wildlife. introduction of sheep to graze and maintain the grassland sward. This will reduce the need for mowing whilst providing an 9.14 Currently no public right of way routes cross the site. However, opportunity for diversification for the landowner. proposed landscape improvements within the site boundary will provide mitigation to the public rights of way and bridleways

9.11 Careful maintenance of the hedges throughout the life time adjacent to the site. Whilst vehicular access will be via the cycle at the solar park will be in operation will ensure that they existing track to the west of the site from the A361. continue to thrive. Well shaped, the hedgerows will provide shelter from the wind and a range of habitats for a variety of 9.15 Interpretation boards could be located within an educational wildlife from mammals and reptiles at their base to birds in platform to aid in the education of renewable energy and to their upper reaches. help local people understand the value of the solar park. The boards will explain the benefits of renewable energy and how

9.12 The creation of the field margins in the gaps between the Photovoltaic panels work in harnessing the suns energy. The hedges and the fencing where wildflower grassland will be board will also describe how the panels sit within the existing established and sewn with insect and bee friendly species will landscape, allowing enhancements to the local biodiversity and also provide an ecological benefit, together with the installation continued agricultural use. of Apiary’s and bee hives in partnership with local bee keepers. 9.16 The community around Poulshot Lodge will benefit from the

9.13 The development of new habitats are particularly important economic boost that the solar park will provide showing the for attracting insects and invertebrates that in themselves will area to be at the forefront of the development of renewable provide a feeding resource for birds and animals. Installation energy and of a carbon dioxide free future. of bird, bat and owl boxes on mature trees and within the

Photomontage showing the proposals after ten years, viewed from A361 layby.

Poulshot Lodge Solar Park Environmental Enhancement Plan 45 web site: www.pegasuspg.co.uk

Prepared by Pegasus Group | Planning I Environmental I Urban Design

Pegasus Group Pegasus House Querns Business Centre Whitworth Road Cirencester Gloucestershire GL7 1RT

Telephone: (01285) 641717 Facsimile: (01285) 642348

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7 46 Poulshot Lodge Solar Park Environmental Enhancement Plan