How can the expansion of ground-mounted PV installations be better reconciled with the protection of the skylark? This question is of equal concern to planners, planning authorities, local authorities and nature conservation organisations alike. Our new information sheet "Skylarks in ground-mounted solar farms: How targeted management improves habitat quality" provides a concise, practical guide to this.

A concise guide to planning and planning permission

The two-page fact sheet summarises the Key findings on skylarks in ground-mounted solar farms. It explains which factors influence the quality of the species’ habitat, which measures may be prioritised, and why a A site-specific approach is more important than blanket assessments.

Particularly handy: the paper can be used as Guidance for licensing authorities be utilised. It helps to identify the relevant issues more quickly and to assess requirements relating to planning, construction and operation in a more structured manner.

Why this issue is important

The skylark is a prime example of a key challenge in species conservation: ground-nesting bird species need open, undisturbed and structurally diverse habitats. Whether an open-space PV system can maintain, improve or create such functions depends largely on its planning, design and maintenance.

Our information sheet explains why this is a A tailored approach makes sense is – and how Species conservation and land-use efficiency bring them together, rather than pitting them against one another.

Based on „Biodiversity in the Solar Park“

The paper draws, amongst other things, on our Nationwide field study „Biodiversity in the solar park". The study provides important insights into the role that solar parks can play in biodiversity and the conditions that are crucial for high ecological quality.

Anyone wishing to explore the topic in greater depth will find this information sheet a useful starting point – presented in a concise format, with clear courses of action and references to the underlying sources.

Find out more now

This information sheet is aimed at Planning authorities, local authorities, project developers, landscape planners, nature conservation organisations and anyone who wishes to play a part in ensuring that ground-mounted solar power installations are designed in a way that is responsible from a nature conservation perspective.