A PEMBROKESHIRE solar farm scheme, which would provide power for nearly 3,300 homes, has been put on hold once again, after previously being deferred for a site visit.

In an application listed at Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee meeting of March 18, members were recommended to approve a scheme by Wessex Solar Energy (WSE Pembrokeshire Ltd) for a 9.99MW solar farm and associated works at Lower Nash Farm, near Pembroke Dock.

The proposed scheme would be spread over three fields, amounting to approximately 14 hectares with some 25,000 PV panels on site, some 120 metres from the national park.

The scheme was previously deferred from the February meeting so members could visit the site after concerns were raised about the loss of the most valuable agricultural land.

The development, some of it on Best and Most Versatile (BMV) Agricultural land, would provide approximately 3,296 households with renewable energy annually, members have previously heard.

A larger 22MW scheme covering 34.25ha was previously refused in 2021 due to the effect on BMV land.

Planning Policy Wales (PPW) requires that BMV agricultural land “should be conserved as a finite resource for the future with considerable weight given to protecting it from development,” adding: “Such land should only be developed if there is an overriding need for the scheme and either previously developed land or land in lower agricultural grades are unavailable.”

Welsh Government Soil Policy & Agricultural Land Use Planning Unit has objected to the latest scheme on BMV grounds, saying the return to agriculture as BMV agricultural land is “…seldom practicable”.

Four objections to the scheme were received, with local community council Cosheston raising concerns about the use of BMV land.

At the February meeting, agent Charlotte Peacock was questioned about the use of the BMV land by committee chair Cllr Simon Hancock, who said: “Farming and agriculture are fundamental to the security of this country; the way that the population is increasing we really need to ensure farmland is protected.”

The agent said the farmer landowner would receive a guaranteed income which would be more reliable than crop values, adding: “The greatest threat to future security is climate change, the single biggest threat to our output of crops.”

Local member Cllr Tessa Hodgson, as a public speaker, successfully called for a site visit before any decision was made saying it was “surely better to use poorer land and brownfield sites” for such developments,” adding: “Does the permanent loss of prime agricultural land outweigh the benefit of renewable energy?”

At the start of the March meeting, members were told the scheme had been temporarily withdrawn due to issue with the publicity of an environmental statement accompanying the application; the proposal expected to now be considered at the April meeting.

A RECENT survey of Welsh farms participating in the Breeding Bird Survey has revealed encouraging signs for several bird species of conservation concern. The 2024 survey, a collaboration between Farming Connect and RSPB Cymru conducted between April and July, identified 49 different bird species across farms in the Farming Connect Our Farms Network, with an average of 29 species recorded per farm.

The project linked volunteers with farmers to monitor and survey farmland birds, providing valuable data to enhance farmers’ understanding of biodiversity on their land. The findings contribute to UK-wide biodiversity monitoring and highlight the role of farmland in supporting wildlife.

Notably, eight species identified in the survey are classified as farmland birds of conservation concern in the UK: House Martin, House Sparrow, Spotted Flycatcher, Grey Partridge, Mistle Thrush, Tree Pipit, Meadow Pipit, and Cuckoo. Their presence underscores the importance of agricultural landscapes in maintaining biodiversity across Wales.

The reports offer insights into species distribution and abundance, helping farmers adapt their practices to safeguard these birds and encourage greater biodiversity. The data will also contribute to broader research on wildlife populations within agricultural settings.

“With approximately 90% of Wales consisting of farmland, farming practices play a crucial role in the future of many UK wildlife species,” said Lynfa Davies, Farming Connect Biodiversity Officer.

“The results of this survey are encouraging and demonstrate the positive impact that can be achieved through collaborative efforts between farmers and volunteers. We hope this information will inspire farmers to provide additional habitats as they engage with the new Sustainable Farming Scheme in Wales.”

The Volunteer Monitoring Farmland Wildlife (VMFW) Project Team at RSPB Cymru emphasised the significance of such surveys for both farmers and conservation organisations.

“It is a crucial time for farmers to understand the state of biodiversity in their landscape, as both farms and wildlife face challenges from climate change and evolving agricultural practices. Wildlife surveys empower farmers by providing knowledge of species presence, reasons for their presence, and how they can be encouraged to thrive.”

“Surveys also help projects such as VMFW assess what resources are needed to inspire and inform farmers about taking action for wildlife.”

For more information about the breeding bird survey and other services available through Farming Connect, visit businesswales.gov.wales/farmingconnect.

THERE are currently four fantastic share farming opportunities available in Wales through Farming Connect’s ‘Start to Farm’ programme. If you have the right skills and experience, your future career path and destiny could be about to change.

Since 2015, 75 ambitious young farmers desperate to combine both the strategic management and practical side of farming have been matched up with Welsh landowners wanting to ease their workload or transition to retirement. The new partnerships have all been facilitated through ‘Start to Farm’.

Originally launched under its former name, ‘Venture’, the programme’s remit is to introduce landowners, referred to as ‘providers’, to opportunity ‘seekers’.  Once a match is made, both parties are offered a range of both subsidised and fully funded support services including mentoring, training, business, legal and financial advice which help get the arrangement over the line in a mutually beneficial way and that protects both sides.

“Gaining access to land and capital can seem impossible for many young farmers if there is no family farm where their skills, energy and input are needed,” says Eiry Williams, manager of the ‘Start to Farm’ programme.  Eiry explains that with four share farming opportunities currently available throughout Wales, in sectors including dairy, beef cattle, horticulture and organic, this might be the perfect time to check out the ‘Start to Farm’ section on the Farming Connect website.

“There’s no optimum time to either apply or commission Farming Connect to promote a share farming opportunity, but with many farmers preparing for the end of the financial year and planning ahead, this could be a great time to either seek out a new opportunity or bring on board a young farmer whose input could enable you to take a step back from day-to-day farming, without necessarily ceasing altogether,” says Eiry.

Not surprisingly, ‘seekers’ will need to prove their credentials. Experience of the relevant farm, forestry or horticulture sector, business acumen and focus, enthusiasm, confidence and a great work ethic are obvious essentials, but equally important will be their willingness to help find solutions to challenges and to help identify and implement new or more sustainable ways of managing the business.

“All farmers face external pressures such as the weather, market fluctuations and input costs, but for some landowners a willingness to consider new ideas and embrace different or innovative ways of working can breathe new life into a business which has perhaps not moved with the times or had the resources to capitalise on opportunities.

“By partnering with an established farmer or landowner, young farmers and new entrants can make a massive contribution to the overall viability and prosperity of a business, while avoiding full exposure to any potential issues,” said Eiry.

There are many different share farming or partnership models to consider ranging from farm business tenancies to contract or share farming arrangements and equity partnerships. Some will include an agreement that allows the incomer to gradually buy into the business over time, which provides a structured pathway without requiring a large upfront financial commitment.

“Effort, hard work, new ideas and skills will be rewarded by mentorship, the opportunity to gain hands-on knowledge about farm management, business strategy and decision-making, giving the landowner the opportunity to ease back from the labour commitment while remaining involved.

“The most successful share farming arrangements encourage open and honest communications, a mutual respect for each other’s opinions and a willingness to investigate and implement new business strategies which will lead to a more sustainable and profitable business long-term.  

For further information visit ‘Start to Farm’ on the Farming Connect website or contact your local development officer.