A solar park built on rewetted peatland in northern Germany is attracting a wider variety of bird species than nearby drained agricultural fields, according to a study published in Ecological Solutions and Evidence. Researchers found that the 30-hectare site hosted both wetland and woodland birds, including species like the meadow pipit, reed bunting, and Eurasian tree sparrow. The solar panels act as perches for raptors hunting mice, while the rewetted peat and reduced mowing create habitat diversity. The study suggests that combining solar power generation with peatland restoration can deliver multiple benefits: renewable energy, carbon storage, and biodiversity gains. However, the approach faces economic hurdles. Germany has barred degraded peatland solar farms from guaranteed electricity prices since 2023, and construction costs are higher due to deeper posts and seasonal building limits. Researchers say more government incentives are needed to scale peatland PV beyond the five existing projects.
