Rag Lane Solar Farm

Rag Lane Solar Farm is a renewable energy project designed to support the UK’s transition to a low-carbon future. Situated west of Wickwar, the farm will generate up to 49.9 MW of clean electricity, supplying enough energy to power approximately 15,000 homes each year. By harnessing solar energy, the project will contribute towards the UK’s legally binding net zero carbon target by 2050 and support South Gloucestershire Council’s Climate Emergency commitments.

The solar farm will be carefully designed and managed to deliver environmental and community benefits alongside energy generation. The site will integrate biodiversity enhancements, maintain agricultural use through sheep grazing, and create local job opportunities during construction and operation.

Once operational, Rag Lane Solar Farm will play a key role in providing reliable and sustainable electricity while fostering long-term environmental and community benefits. With a £10,000 annual community benefit fund, local initiatives will be supported, and continued engagement with residents and Parish Councils will ensure the project remains a valued part of the area.

The site will bolster the community through:

Job Creation: The project will prioritise local labour, with at least 20 jobs expected during construction and 2–3 long-term roles in security, operations, and maintenance during its operational phase.

Community Engagement: Extensive consultations with local residents and Parish Councils, including Wickwar, Cromhall, and Rangeworthy, have shaped the project’s design. Feedback led to reducing the site’s size, relocating the access point, and increasing hedgerow screening. A community liaison group has been established to keep stakeholders informed. If you would like to know more please contact us at the email address provided in the contact section.

Community Benefits: A £10,000 annual community benefit payment will be made once the project is operational, supporting local initiatives.

The solar farm will deliver significant biodiversity improvements, including:

Reinforcement of existing hedgerows and the planting of 1.7 km of new hedgerows and 270 new trees throughout the site.

• Creation of wildflower meadows and planting of native grasses along the perimeter.
• Establishment of wildlife corridors totalling 5.6 hectares to improve habitat quality and connectivity.
• Continued agricultural use through sheep grazing, integrating energy generation with farming practices.
• Installation of 10 bat boxes, 10 bird boxes, and 4 reptile hibernacula to support local wildlife.
• Buffers of at least 8 metres between sensitive habitats and development areas, with 4 metres dedicated to wildlife.

The Rag Lane Solar Farm addresses the urgent need for renewable energy and climate change mitigation. According to the UK Climate Change Committee’s Sixth Carbon Budget (2020), the UK requires an average of 3,000 MW of new solar power installations annually to achieve net zero by 2050.

This project aligns with South Gloucestershire Council’s Climate Emergency Strategy and helps secure a cleaner, greener future for the local community and the UK as a whole.