A solar farm in Wilburton will open its gates to the public to offer an insight into the world of renewable energy.

Wilburton solar farm, off Twenty Pence Road, will be open from 10am–4pm on Friday to give visitors a close-up view of how the solar farm works and the additional benefits the site has brought to wildlife.

Capable of generating enough clean, locally-sourced energy to power more than 1,200 households, the first section of Wilburton solar farm was installed in 2011.

An extension was completed in 2013 – adding capacity to power a further 5,574 households.

The open day will be held at on the original solar farm plot and seeks to give visitors the opportunity to ask any questions they have about solar energy to technical experts.

According to the solar farm owners, Lightsource Renewable Energy, since its installation, the site has seen a dramatic increase in wild hare, butterflies, dragonflies and badger setts.

Farmland birds such as the grey partridge are also reported to have increased in numbers around the site. A.

Tim Hughes, who helps run the Wilburton farm, said: “Wilburton is set to become a 35-acre pollen, brood seed and wild bird seed paradise.

“We have already noticed a marked increase in bird and wild mammal numbers, together with much improved quantity and variety of insects and invertebrates.

“We hope that the local community will come along to the open day and see for themselves how a solar farm works and the additional benefits it has brought to the area.”

To register for the event please visit http://wilburton.eventbrite.com or contact the Lightsource communications team on 0333 200 0755 or e-mail info@lightsource-re.co.uk