Loss of Local Wildlife and Biodiversity
Solar Farms, such as that being proposed for Letheringham (and many other local villages), will have a transformational effect on the land, with severe consequences for wildlife and their habitats. The problem with Solar Farms, Factors that should be considered in determining applications [page 9] states: "Transitory animals have their traditional routes blocked. Deer are often diverted onto roads. Bird and bat deaths are common as they mistake the glass for water. The land is degraded with little potential for biodiversity as half of it will be in permanent shadow and rain water run-off creates set channels without proper dispersal".
Furthermore: “Photovoltaic panels have been shown to reflect polarised light that is attractive to polarotactic aquatic insects, which confuse solar panels with water and attempt to lay eggs on the surface, resulting in mortality and reproductive failure” [Horváth et al., 2010; Blahó et al., 2012].
The perimeter security fencing, will not only be a barrier to the movement of wild mammals and amphibians, but is also thought to be a collision risk for birds. As any regular in Letheringham knows, herds of deer are plentiful, often seen relaxing in nature, basking in the sun, effortlessly navigating their ancient corridors to reside in whichever woodland they chose. Deer is just one example of transitory wildlife that will lose their traditional routes, which have been available to them for centuries. Indeed much of the land can be traced back to an ancient deer park.
Wildlife will be evicted from their territories; however, there is also concern that many could become trapped within the Colditz like prison camp perimeter fencing. This could happen during construction, maintenance and during any emergencies. Photographs of the dead deer at a Thaxted Solar Farm and deer trapped within Spriggs Farm Solar Park can be seen in the forementioned Solar Farm document on page 9. Concerns have also been raised in relation to the consequences of Fire and Pollution (see this Objection).
As stated, the Solar Farm proposal encompasses 23% of Letheringham land; if equated to terrestrial animal territories only (i.e. excluding buildings, gardens, roads, river, etc) this percentage increases significantly causing grave concerns for our beloved wildlife.
Letheringham (and Easton) have a huge number of different bird species, up to a third is reported to be on the endangered Red/Amber list. A joyous activity for many holiday guest visiting the area (as well as locals) is counting the different species – we are in the process of collating data from the various holiday cottages in the area. Nevertheless, we expect this number to be huge. A further joy, is watching the buzzards, red kites, hawks, owls etc, effortlessly hunting their pray over the open countryside, be that undulating farmland/grass areas or adjacent to the waterways. It is difficult to comprehend such sightings being eradicated from such a significant portion of our open countryside in Letheringham.
The fields are important habitats for a vast number of wildlife species, including deer, skylarks (nesting in open grass/crop areas), bats, badgers, and brown hares, all of which are protected. There is concern that the destruction of their natural habit would severely impact local biodiversity, undermining the ecological integrity of this sensitive landscape. Again, quoting the forementioned document: "Grazing sheep and bee-keeping are token gestures and in no way compensate for the lost potential of the land" [page 9]. It is noted that wildflower/hedge planting, and bird and bat boxes are further gestures often made, however, there is a view that these offerings go nowhere close to compensating for the loss of good agricultural land which protects our rich and unique biodiversity.
