Environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles are at the core of everything we do, whether that’s nurturing younger generations’ interest in environmentalism or believing in biodiversity.

That’s why we’ve decided to introduce our Nature Protection Pledge – British Solar Renewables’ (BSR) business pledge to nature.

What is the Nature Protection Pledge?

Our Nature Protection Pledge reflects our dedication to considering nature in everything we do. We are taking positive action for the planet and the communities in which we operate. By increasing biodiversity and supporting healthy ecosystems on the land under our stewardship, we’re making a real impact. Our multi-functional land use approach combines clean energy generation, agricultural support, and nature enhancement.

Read on to learn more about the specific ways that we’re prioritising nature.

What are the Nature Protection Pledge commitments?

Committing to the Nature Protection Pledge means that BSR will:

• Manage the land in an environmentally sensitive way tailored to the specific landscape and its species.
• Encourage a mosaic of habitats on our sites, optimising them for biodiversity.
• Achieve a proposed combined 60% biodiversity net gain (“BNG”) for each solar project submitted to planning, calculated as follows: Habitat units % + Hedgerow units % + River units % = >60%
• Enhance any ponds on the site by clearing excess vegetation and shading and removing rubbish.
• Use buffers to protect high-biodiversity areas, such as ancient woodlands, tree roots, ponds, and wetlands.
• Create gaps in fences to promote wildlife corridors for small and medium mammals
• Undertake soil type tests and plant appropriate wildflowers and grasses. Use locally sourced wildflower seeds where possible and plant seeds of nectar rich species to encourage pollinators.
• Protect ancient and veteran trees, plant only UK grown native species and enhance native hedgerows to create green corridors for wildlife.
• Only use de-ionised water to clean panels.
• Collaborate with local biodiversity action/ wildlife groups and organisations such as the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, to enhance and protect local species.
• Continuously explore opportunities beyond planning requirements to achieve ecological enhancements appropriate to the local environment.
• Install bird boxes appropriate to the local species. Aim to encourage any local Birds of Conservation Concern with targeted projects.
• Install bat boxes on mature trees, tailored to the species present on the site.
• Install hibernacula for reptiles, invertebrates, amphibians and small mammals using recycled and foraged materials, along with bug hotels.
• Monitor the biodiversity on the site through annual surveys ad-hoc biodiversity inspection sheets for each visit.
• Approach end of life decommissioning in a way that benefits the environment, soil structure and biodiversity.
• Display site credentials and biodiversity information for the solar park for visitors and communities.

Can other renewable energy companies follow the Nature Protection Pledge?

Yes, we encourage others in the industry to follow the Nature Protection Pledge.

The pledge is our way of showing that we not only see how crucial it is to maintain and enhance the existing land and its inhabitants, but also understand the responsibility as a business – in renewable energy especially – to follow through with making a positive impact.

This pledge has not only been created so that we can hold ourselves accountable, but also offers others guidance in how they can show up for the land and communities that they are working in.

With the Nature Protection Pledge, British Solar Renewables will keep our promise to increase biodiversity, improve soil structure and support healthy ecosystems on all land within our stewardship.