Lightsource bp UK Backs New Guide to Support Conservation of Devon’s Hedgerows
Lightsource bp UK is giving its support to a new booklet aimed at boosting the health of our nation’s hedgerows.
Lightsource Renewable Energy backs new guide to support conservation of Devon’s hedges
The UK’s leading solar energy generator is giving its support to a new booklet aimed at boosting the health of our nation’s hedgerows. Lightsource Renewable Energy has sponsored the launch of a guide from the Devon Hedge Group which gives advice to farmers and landowners on the best ways to manage hedges to produce woodfuel, boosting their health and longevity in the process.
Hedgerows provide a natural wildlife “corridor” by providing food and homes to many species of birds, insects and small mammals. However, the recent decline in the health of our nation’s hedgerows has become a real threat to biodiversity levels. A lack of both funding and knowledge on effective management techniques are the main reasons for the suffering of many hedges.
The new booklet produced by the Devon Hedge Group as part of its 20th anniversary celebrations is aimed at giving farmers and landowners the right tools to get the most from their hedgerows. Hedges go through a cycle of growth and it is vital that they are cut and maintained in the right way to ensure a healthy future. Techniques such as hedge laying and coppicing are essential for the regeneration of hedgerows, but require both the knowledge and skill to implement. When done correctly, hedgerows can be a sustainable source of wood fuel and provide a thriving home for local wildlife and biodiversity.
Rob Wolton, of the Devon Hedge Group, said: “The idea for this guide came from a visit I made with Hedgelink in 2010 to Normandy. It was on that visit that we saw that the production of woodfuel could be used for the benefit of the whole community. Often farmers and landowners don’t have the time or the funds to manage their hedges effectively and we wanted to be able to share our knowledge to show the many benefits that it can bring, so we can start to restore the health of our hedges.
“Hedges around the country are not as healthy as they should be and cuts to public funding for the management of hedgerows has not helped. By effectively managing hedges they can be turned into a source of direct income through the production of woodfuel, which can have a number of benefits for farmers, landowners and the wider community. Woodfuel enables rural communities to heat their homes and farm buildings at around half the price of heating oils or gases. With many rural communities threatened with fuel poverty, the production of wood fuel can create a viable locally-sourced solution – creating rural employment opportunities at the same time.”
Conor McGuigan, Business Development Director for Lightsource: “Solar farms can help boost natural wildlife and improve biodiversity, so we were keen to lend our support to this project. During our planning process we work closely with ecologists to implement biodiversity management plans, so we were very interested to learn about the further benefits that a well-managed hedgerow could bring to both wildlife and the local community.”
Production of the guide has also been supported by the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Blackdown Hills AONB and Devon County Council.
The guide is available from the Tamar Valley Centre, Drakewalls, Near Gunnislake, Cornwall, PL18 9FE. To get more details please call the centre on 01822 835030.
Related news
19 Feb, 2025
10 Power Purchase Agreements signed and 1.3GW contracted in 2024
Lightsource bp achieved a significant milestone in 2024 by securing 10 power purchase agreements (PPAs) totalling 1.3GW across Europe, the Americas and APAC.
12 Feb, 2025
Lightsource bp enters Japan market with first renewable energy project
Lightsource bp, a global leader in renewable energy, has announced its entry into the Japanese market with the acquisition of a 15MWp solar project in Hokkaido.
29 Jan, 2025
Spain: Lightsource bp’s projects receive UNEF’s ‘Sustainability Excellence Certificate’
Lightsource bp’s utility scale projects Valle 3 and Valle 4 have been recognised with the prestigious UNEF ‘Sustainability Excellence Certificate’.
08 Jan, 2025
Portugal: Exus Renewables acquires Lightsource bp’s 130MWp Cibele Portuguese solar farm
Acquisition strengthens Exus’ growing European renewable energy portfolio, and rising position as a global independent power producer
15 Dec, 2024
Australia: Lightsource bp reaches major milestone on solar and battery projects to deliver firmed renewable energy solutions
Lightsource bp announces it is commencing construction on its Goulburn River hybrid project and its Woolooga Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
29 Oct, 2024
Wool quality and sustainability: Insights from Lightsource bp’s Wellington solar farm
Lightsource bp has seen promising results from the second round of wool testing at its Wellington solar farm, in New South Wales, Australia.
24 Oct, 2024
bp completes acquisition of Lightsource bp
bp has completed its acquisition of the remaining 50.03% interest in Lightsource bp.
17 Oct, 2024
Honeysuckle Solar: Recharging American Energy
Indiana reaps benefits of American-made energy investment as Lightsource bp’s Honeysuckle Solar goes online.
16 Oct, 2024
Lightsource bp Executives interview with Women of Today about empowering inclusion
Adele Ara and Heather Hayes spoke to Women of Today about the company's last 14 years and our work around diversity, equity and inclusion.
10 Oct, 2024
Poland: Celebrating the official opening of Kotuń solar farm – our first solar project in Poland
The Kotuń solar farm is a key project for Lightsource bp and represents an important step in the development of renewable energy sources in Poland.