Verwood Solar Farm

Verwood Solar Farm was consented in March 2012. Belltown Power managed the construction, and the site was commissioned February 2015.

Belltown is proud of the contribution the Verwood Solar Farm makes to the local area through its commitments to the local community across community funding, education and the local environment. 

Project specifics

As part of its commitment to the community, Verwood Solar Farm awards benefit grants each year to local communities.

Community Commitments

As part of its commitment to the community, Verwood Solar Farm awards benefit grants each year to local communities. Two Community Groups – 3LX Community Fund and Verwood Solar Farm Fund (who operate independently of the Town Council) - administer the funds. To date, funding has supported several local initiatives, including funding playground equipment for the local school, installing new gym equipment at the local recreational grounds, and refurbishing the toilets and installing solar panels on the roof of the village hall.

Education Commitments

Verwood is part of The Belltown Education Programme which provides an annual visit and renewables workshop for the children from five local schools: Emmanuel CE VA Middle School, Verwood C of E First School, Hillside Community First School, Trinity C of E First School, and Wimborne St. Giles School. The sessions are designed to help children familiarise themselves with the technology and understand the impacts of climate change. Through this programme we aim to inspire a future generation of children who are passionate about renewables and careers in engineering.

Over 70 common meadow plants can now be found at Verwood, valuable forage plants for bumblebees and butterflies.

Environmental commitments

Belltown has implemented a comprehensive and robust habitat management and enhancement plan (HMEP) for the project.

The project is ensuring the existing habitats are being maintained, restored, and enhanced through the implementation of an extensive HMEP. Other mitigation and enhancement objectives include:

• Managed grassland to ensure the development of a diverse sward beneath the array of solar panels;
• Managed areas outside of the footprint of the array as habitats for reptiles, small mammals and invertebrates;
• New and existing trees and hedgerow are managed using appropriate good forestry and arboricultural management practices, including periodical ground surveys.

The HMEP has been implemented to help enhance the habitat for many species of birds and reptiles, aiming to result in a net positive impact on local biodiversity. Each year surveys of the site’s birds, invertebrates, and native plants are undertaken; these records are subsequently used to review and optimise the habitat management plan for future years. 

Over 70 common meadow plants can now be found at Verwood, including red and white clover, common fleabane, cat’s-ear, and common knapweed. These are valuable forage plants for bumblebees and butterflies. We are also in the process of installing bug hotels to attract additional invertebrates to the site.