Rural and farming communities feel betrayed after Ed Miliband pushes through Sunnica Solar Farm development

Numerous politicians and campaigners said they were frustrated and angered by the new Energy and Net Zero Secretary's decision which could take productive agricultural land out of production for a solar farm

Chris Brayford
clock • 6 min read
"Big corporations are pushing people out of the countryside, destroying the way of life for many families."
Image:

"Big corporations are pushing people out of the countryside, destroying the way of life for many families."

Plans to build one of the largest solar developments in Britain has caused 'shock and upset' to agricultural and farming communities who feel they are being pushed out of the countryside with productive...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358
Register for free Join Now

 

More on Environment

Just Transition Commission must be grounded in realism and fairness says UFU
Environment

Just Transition Commission must be grounded in realism and fairness says UFU

The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has responded to DAERA progress on draft regulations to establish a Just Transition Commission, stressing that any transition must be grounded in what is genuinely achievable for farmers

Mia Willemsen
clock 08 February 2026 • 2 min read
Big Farmland Bird Count highlights farmers efforts to restore nature
Environment

Big Farmland Bird Count highlights farmers efforts to restore nature

Farmers and land managers are encouraged to record the number of birds and bird species on their farms starting today (February 6)

Mia Willemsen
clock 06 February 2026 • 3 min read
AHDB-led pilot shows a number of participating farms could already be beyond net zero
Environment

AHDB-led pilot shows a number of participating farms could already be beyond net zero

An environmental baselining pilot led by AHDB with support from Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has found that 14% of the farms analysed so far are already beyond net zero with more than half managing livestock

Jane Thynne
clock 06 February 2026 • 2 min read