A new certification scheme is encouraging solar farms to create better habitats for wildlife, promoting biodiversity alongside clean electricity generation in the UK. The Wild Power certification scheme assesses how renewable energy developments protect and improve habitats, awarding certification to those that meet its biodiversity standards. Two solar farms in the UK have already earned its seal of approval. The scheme was launched after its founders had a lightbulb moment while traveling in northern Spain, where they saw a hillside solar farm with animals grazing between the panels and insects buzzing among colourful patches of wildflower. They created a free-to-download scorecard that helps developers measure, improve and report their impact on biodiversity. The scorecard takes in everything from habitats and species to ecological connectivity, monitoring and site management. Measures such as creating habitat corridors, safeguarding protected species and tackling invasive plants can all add to a site's score. Racking up at least 70 points means operators can apply for certification, which provides independent verification of the measures they have introduced to support wildlife. One of the first sites to achieve certification is Dunmow, a 10MW solar farm in Essex, which became only the second in the UK to receive the award in September. The site's biodiversity is projected to increase by 65% and hedgerow units by 19%. Ecologist Guy Parker helped implement changes, including planting species-rich grassland and wildflower areas, installing bird and bat boxes, and clearing invasive scrub. The certification scheme is not only beneficial for the environment but also offers a commercial incentive for developers. A survey found that 50% of renewable energy customers would be willing to pay a premium for electricity from a site with proven high biodiversity standards. Annual ecological surveys will help track changes in breeding birds, pollinators, and grassland species, providing evidence of how the habitats develop over time. The UK aims to reach 45-47GW of solar capacity by 2030, and the certification scheme could play a significant role in achieving this goal while promoting biodiversity. The scheme's founders believe that well-managed solar farms can contribute to solving both the climate and nature crises, and they are working towards creating a legacy of contributing to the countryside.