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Great North Solar and Biodiversity Park developers Elements Green promise up to 9,000 will be allowed to graze solar panel land in Newark and Sherwood if plans are approved




The developers of plans for a 1.5m panel solar park in Newark and Sherwood, have said thousands of sheep will be allowed to graze on the land.

Plans for the Great North Road Solar and Biodiversity Park are currently in the pre-application stage, and developers Elements Green have said they are keen to address public concerns about the project.

One major concern revolves around the loss of agricultural land, as if approved, the project would see around 7,000 acres of farmland to the north of Newark turned over for the project — making it one of Britain’s biggest solar parks.

Sheep. Photo: Fionn Burrows
Sheep. Photo: Fionn Burrows

To tackle this, Elements Green have said, subject to approval, that 4,000 sheep will initially be introduced to the site from 2027 — when construction is expected to begin — rising to as many as 9,000 once lambing starts.

The animals will be introduced by farmers Phil Weaver and Pete Wilson, who have over 80 years of shared farming experience, and will lead a team of six watching over the flock.

“We’ve been farming in this area for decades, and we’re excited to support and work with Elements Green on this project,” said Phil.

“Grazing sheep alongside the solar panels allows us to continue farming in a way that supports the environment while helping to generate clean energy for the region.”

Farmers Helen and Phil Weaver, with Mark Noone of Elements Green. Photo: Elements Green.
Farmers Helen and Phil Weaver, with Mark Noone of Elements Green. Photo: Elements Green.

It is believed that the introduction of the sheep will not only keep the land in farm use, but keep down land maintenance costs, with the animals acting as natural lawnmowers, saving a projected £5m over the project’s 40 year lifespan.

The solar panels will also provide the sheep with shelter from the elements and shade from the sun.

The developers argue that solar parks can coexist with agriculture, with UK project director, Mark Noone, saying: “This partnership proves that renewable energy projects can do more than just power homes; they can empower local communities, boost biodiversity, and support traditional industries.

“We’re excited to see what the future holds.”

Solar panels. Photo: Fionn Burrows.
Solar panels. Photo: Fionn Burrows.

Steps have also recently been taken to address a number of other concerns about the project raised during public consultation earlier this year.

A total of 850 acres of land dedicated solely to ‘positive ecological management’ have been added to the scheme, including the planting of 50,000 new trees, and a partnership has been created which will see exclusively British Steel used during the construction process.

However, the plans are not yet finalised and the public with have another chance to have their say in a further round of consultation scheduled to be held in the new year.

The plans will officially be submitted in late summer 2025 and if approved, construction could begin in 2027, with the park expected to be operational two years later.

The Advertiser is keen to hear from residents with thoughts or concerns about the project. Let us know by contacting: fionn.burrows@iliffemedia.co.uk



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