UK-wide protests held against large-scale solar farms

Campaigners across England and Wales held a nationwide day of action to challenge Labour’s plans to green light large-scale solar farms on productive farmland.

Co-ordinated walks were held on Sunday 8 June at 25 venues – from Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, to Kent and Wales – which saw hundreds gather together.

And their message was clear: solar energy should not come at the expense of valuable farmland and rural landscapes.

See also: Analysis: The pros and cons of solar farm development

One of the largest gatherings was along the ancient Fosse Way, near Malmesbury, Wiltshire, where more than 400 residents walked to protest against the proposed 809ha Lime Down Solar Park.

Campaigners argue that while they support renewable energy, the “industrial scale” of projects such as Lime Down threaten to permanently scar the countryside and displace productive agricultural land.

“It’s about protecting our farmland and rural communities,” said a campaign spokesman.

“We want sustainable energy solutions, but not at the cost of thousands of acres of beautiful, working countryside.”

© Stop Lime Down Solar

Speaking in Parliament on 5 June, Roz Savage, Liberal Democrat MP for South Cotswolds, criticised Island Green Power, the developer behind the large-scale solar farm project in her constituency.

She said: “The Lime Down proposal would industrialise over 2,000 acres of rural farmland and introduce a 500MW battery installation right next to the railway line from London Paddington to South Wales. 

“This isn’t just a visual or an environmental concern, it’s a serious safety issue,” she added, pointing to the “low risk, but devastating consequences” of a fire breaking out at the facility.    

The campaign’s next crucial phase will be a nationwide consultation in October, urging the public to provide feedback to the Planning Inspectorate.

Oxfordshire protest walk

The nationwide event also spotlighted the controversial Botley West Solar Farm project in Oxfordshire, which would cover nearly 1,012ha and power 330,000 homes.

Opponents describe the scheme as poorly planned, unnecessary, and harmful to the environment and local heritage.

© Botley West Solar Farm Residents Group

Rosemary Lewis, of the Stop Botley West campaign, told the BBC during the walk: “Solar energy isn’t the only solution and should not come at the expense of our countryside.

“We need smarter, community-led renewable projects that don’t sacrifice farmland.”

Organisers stress that continued community engagement is vital to safeguarding farmland and ensuring a balanced transition to clean energy.

Local councils have also raised concerns about flooding, visual impact, and loss of green belt land.

CPRE warning

The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) highlighted that only 0.6% of England’s land is needed to meet government solar targets, urging policymakers to prioritise rooftops and brownfield sites over prime farmland.

However, the Labour government and developers argue that large-scale solar farms are essential to meet the UK’s climate targets, power homes and secure a sustainable, low-carbon energy future for all.