Solar and sheep to minge in Nottinghamshire

A proposed new solar farm to the northwest of Newark in Nottinghamshire has been designed in consulation with a group of  leading eco-organisations to offer both renewable energy and sustainable agriculture.

The Great North Road Solar and Biodiversity Park is being developed by Elements Green and would involve the installation of ground-mounted PV panels, on-site energy storage, and infrastructure to connect the scheme into Staythorpe National Grid substation in Nottinghamshire.

The 1GW project could generate enough clean energy to power every home in Nottingham – around 400,000.

In a consultation earlier this year, local people expressed a strong desire to protect and enhance their natural environment and, in response to this, Elements Green formed partnerships with the RSPB, Sherwood Forest Trust, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, and The Trent Rivers Trust, to work towards those ends.

The project will take up around 7,166 acres of land, with the solar area taking up 3,953 acres. Around 800 acres will be dedicated for wildlife enhancement, including the planting of 50,000 trees, 25km of hedgerows, and the creation of 19km of new footpaths.

When the park begins generating – which is expected to be in 2027 – it will initially share the space with 4,000 sheep, a number likely to grow to 9,000 once lambing commences on what will be the largest UK solar farm to embrace grazing.

The grazing sheep are expected to save the project around £5m in mowing costs across its 40-year lifespan. Shading from the solar panels will also create optimal grazing conditions leading to healthier sheep.

The site will be managed by  local farmers Phil Weaver and Pete Wilson.  Phil said: ‘We’ve been farming in this area for decades, and we’re excited to support and work with Elements Green on this project.

‘Grazing sheep alongside the solar panels allows us to continue farming in a way that supports the environment while helping to generate clean energy for the region.’

Mark Noone, UK Project Director for the park said: ‘This partnership proves that renewable energy projects can do more than just power homes; they can empower local communities, boost biodiversity, and support traditional industries. We’re excited to see what the future holds.’

The picture used above is a library image.