Whaddon Solar Park and BESS
Whaddon is one of the newest additions to the region’s renewable energy landscape, bringing a bright source of clean power to local homes while creating spaces for wildlife to flourish. This project represents something bigger than a solar park. It’s a long-term investment in Wiltshire’s future, shaped with care for the land and the people who live alongside it.
Project progress
Identify & survey
Finding the right land and grid connections, backed by in-depth feasibility and environmental studies.
Engage & tailor
Working with local authorities, parish councils, and communities to shape each proposal responsibly.
Approve & construct
Securing planning permission and delivering projects to the highest technical and environmental standards.
Operate & steward
Managing our sites for the long term, with biodiversity initiatives and a clear “leave no trace” approach.
How Whaddon came to life
The land was brought into our portfolio in 2023, followed by construction in early 2024. From the beginning, our focus was simple. Develop a renewable energy project that strengthens the local area for the long term. Throughout construction and commissioning, we worked closely with ecologists, landowners and community partners to create a site that produces clean electricity while supporting the natural environment around it.
The project is now moving into its operational phase. Our team will remain closely involved, taking responsibility for the site through ongoing care and maintenance.
A project shaped with the community in mind
Whaddon has been designed to bring benefits that last. Across the site, new habitats are being created to support a wide range of wildlife. Wildflower and bird‑friendly grasslands, together with new nesting and roosting features, offer safe places for species to feed, shelter and breed.
These enhancements are expected to deliver a 30.95 percent net gain in habitats and a 9.5 percent gain in hedgerows. This means better-connected wildlife corridors and a healthier landscape for years to come.
Local investment matters too. That’s why a £35,000 Community Benefit Fund has been set aside to support projects chosen by the people who know the area best.
Community highlights
Community Benefit Fund
habitat net gain
hedgerow net gain
Putting nature at the heart of the project
Nature protection is woven into the fabric of Whaddon. The site includes new bird, bat and owl boxes, together with features that provide shelter for small mammals, amphibians and invertebrates. Two native hedgerow mixes have been introduced to strengthen existing boundaries. Beneath the panels, a long-term grazing mix supports soil health, while wet meadow planting enhances areas close to the flood zone.
Each measure has been chosen to support long-lasting ecological value throughout the project’s 40-year life.