A ‘SHINING example’ – Ryton Pools Country Park has taken a step towards greener energy with the installation of solar panels on the site’s cafe and toilet building.
The 30 photovoltaic (PV) modules are expected to produce 13.59 MWh annually – 20 per cent of the park’s energy needs, saving 2.63 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year.
The installation is part of efforts from Warwickshire County Council’s (WCC) Country Parks team to improve environmental sustainability.
Their work has ensured Ryton Pools is an important site of conservation and biodiversity – including a biodiversity offsetting meadow, which is home to a vast range of species of plants and insects, and a flock of Hebridean sheep which grazes the wildflower meadow and helps to maintain its health.
In 2023, the team recorded over 51,000 moths from 650 species, including the rarely seen Dusky Clearwing.
The solar panel installation also sits within the councils’ broader ambition to build a sustainable Warwickshire.
WCC is installing renewable energy sources across its estate in order to meet the target of being a net zero organisation by 2030.
WCC environment spokesperson Coun Heather Timms said: “Ryton Pools Country Park continues to be a shining example of how we can balance the needs of Warwickshire’s residents and visitors with conservation and sustainability.
“The installation of solar panels not only helps reduce the park’s carbon footprint but also supports our broader goal of becoming a net zero organisation by 2030.
“The hard work of the Country Parks team contributes to helping both the environment and our local biodiversity continue to thrive for generations to come.”
Visit www.countryparks.warwickshire.gov.uk/news for the latest news from Warwickshire Country Parks.
