AN ENVIROMENTAL organisation believes Rampisham Down has a "very bright future" after developers agreed to build a solar farm on an alternative site.

As reported in the Bridport News, British Solar Renewables has agreed to halt proposals to build a solar farm on the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) near Beaminster after talks with Natural England and Dorset Wildlife Trust. Despite winning approval for the 25MW scheme from West Dorset District Council in January 2015, the government stepped in to put the plans on hold by calling a public inquiry. But following the discussions the company will now construct the solar farm across the road from the SSSI.

Natural England, which advises the government on environmental issues, is positive about the site continuing to be protected.

Speaking to The News, John Stobart, lead advisor for Natural England, said: "We have been working with the company and with other parties and that has now been concluded.

"The Rampisham Down site itself will be managed as an acid grassland. It has been neglected over the years, but it should have a very bright future."

He added: "The company is very committed to protecting the site. We have the duty of care from the government to make sure it is protected, because the site is so important. These type of sites are very rare. It was protected in 2014 after the company bought the site and after the BBC left the site in 2011."

Mr Stobart admitted that a lot of work was needed to transform the site back into a fully protected area.

He added: "It has to be grazed properly for a number of years. It is more about getting it back into the right condition, and that takes time. It can take a few years to get it perfectly as we would like.

"It has had very little access over the years and there is still lots to learn about it. There is a lot of work to do to find out more at that site."