Conservationists warned large solar farms could push rare habitats “beyond the point of no return.”
Gwent Wildlife Trust blamed Llanwern Solar Farm, one of the UK’s biggest, for declines in birds, bats, and insects.
Built in 2020, Llanwern covers protected land in south-east Wales and powers over 20,000 homes.
Wildlife Decline Around Llanwern
Natalie Buttriss, Gwent Wildlife Trust chief executive, said wildlife numbers had fallen sharply near the solar site.
She noted Lapwings stopped breeding there and bat populations crashed as insects disappeared from the landscape.
A Welsh government report linked the farm to losses of Lapwings, bees, and low bat box occupancy.
Solar Expansion Sparks Dispute
Supporters argued solar farms lower bills, create jobs, strengthen energy security, and combat climate change.
Over 1,000 solar farms now operate across the UK, with 800 more already granted planning permission.
Gwent Wildlife Trust expressed growing alarm over new, larger projects proposed across the Gwent Levels.
