Parks under construction: Nature-friendly banks, food, and ecological connections

The company Buitenmeesters, green implementers, is responsible for the landscape integration of the nine solar parks currently under construction. They create an execution plan based on the landscape design, implement it, and ensure its management. Thanks to their knowledge and expertise, they maximize the natural values ​​of the plan.

Nature In some parks, the ecological value of existing waterways is enhanced. Where these straight ditches previously served as drainage to keep the plot dry, they will now serve an important ecological function for amphibians and various dragonflies and other insects. Regular banks often have steep slopes, whereas nature-friendly banks have a gentle slope that creates a softer transition beneficial for various fish, amphibians, and insect species.

Planting Planting plays a central role in the landscape integration of a large part of the parks. Once fully grown, these plantings will blend the solar park into the landscape, obscuring the view of the park. By using native and partly even autochthonous woodland planting, the local biodiversity needs are met. A total of over 200 solitary trees will be planted across the solar parks, mainly consisting of native species with a few exotic fruit trees to increase food diversity. Additionally, nearly 30,000 trees and shrubs in the form of native woodland planting will be added. These trees and shrubs not only obscure a large part of the view of the panels but also form important ecological connections in the area. They provide food, nesting sites, shelter, and serve as ecological corridors for numerous species in the area.

Herb-rich grassland Solar parks often cover several hectares. Across the 9 solar parks, a total of 70 kilograms of native herbs will be sown, covering an area of ​​140,000 square meters of herb-rich grassland. Additionally, over 235,000 square meters will be sown with a clover mixture, 10,000 square meters with alfalfa, and a portion will be left for spontaneous germination.

Management and maintenance To ensure the success of the landscape elements as intended, management and maintenance are required. Initially, watering is provided during dry periods. Additionally, the vegetation between the young woodland planting is mowed to prevent unwanted competition. After 3 years, tree stakes and irrigation rings are removed to prevent them from becoming litter in nature. In the following years, these measures are no longer necessary, and the landscape elements are supported until they reach the intended quality and function.

https://buitenmeesters.nl/werk-in-uitvoering/zonneparkenlowcarbon/