Nest boxes in Duurkenakker solar park: biodiversity and energy production hand in hand
Utrecht; Februari 24, 2025, photo credits: Sylvia de Vries
The University of Groningen (RUG) is installing nest boxes for the white wagtail in Sunvest’s Duurkenakker solar park. This initiative provides white wagtails with more breeding opportunities.
This project follows ecological research conducted by RUG in collaboration with Novar and the Province of Groningen and is expected to contribute to strengthening biodiversity within the solar park.
Why nest boxes in a solar park?
Ecological research by RUG has shown that agri-solar parks can be attractive breeding grounds for birds from semi-open to closed landscapes, such as the white wagtail. This species is found in relatively high numbers in Duurkenakker solar park, but they struggle to find suitable nesting sites.
Sylvia de Vries, PhD researcher at RUG, explains: “Due to the limited number of natural nesting locations in and around the solar park, we suspect that the breeding population of white wagtails may be restricted. By installing nest boxes, we aim to investigate whether additional breeding opportunities help increase the population.”
A scientific experiment in Duurkenakker
The RUG research team has already built 30 nest boxes and is in the process of installing them in the solar park. The locations have been carefully selected and will be closely monitored during the upcoming breeding season. The nest boxes are attached to the solar panels without interfering with cables or damaging the installation.
If the trial with nest boxes proves successful, it could pave the way for adopting this as a standard practice in both existing and new solar parks.
Over the coming months, RUG researchers will conduct regular inspections to determine whether the nest boxes are being used and whether the breeding success and number of white wagtail breeding pairs in the park increase.
Sunvest: agri-solar parks as ecological and agricultural opportunities
This project aligns with Sunvest’s broader ecological strategy, in which agri-solar parks not only generate renewable energy but also contribute to biodiversity and sustainable agriculture. In several of our parks, we are creating flower-rich grasslands to support pollinators such as bees and butterflies, and we collaborate with local ecologists and farmers to enhance the ecological value and agricultural potential of our parks.
Through projects like this, we aim to demonstrate that solar parks can be more than just energy facilities: they can contribute to a healthier ecosystem, promote biodiversity, and support a sustainable future for agriculture.
Would you like to learn more about this project or how we integrate nature, agriculture, and solar energy? Get in touch with us!
