Barnsdale Gardens, the cherished British landscape designed by Geoff Hamilton, may be forced to close due to a proposed solar farm development nearby. 

The gardens, known for their stunning design and as the backdrop for BBC’s Gardeners’ World, could face a drastic change if plans for a solar power plant by Econergy are approved.

For over 40 years, Barnsdale Gardens has been a hub of natural beauty and gardening inspiration, attracting tourists and gardeners alike. 

The space, which was initially created by Geoff Hamilton in 1983, became the iconic setting for Gardeners’ World in 1985. 

When Geoff passed away in 1996, his son, Nick Hamilton, took over the management of the gardens, continuing his father’s legacy. 

Now, after 29 years of running the gardens, Nick is concerned that a major development nearby could destroy the tranquility of the location, threatening its future.

The solar farm proposal includes the installation of 160,000 solar panels on agricultural land between Barnsdale Gardens and Rutland Wildlife Sanctuary, which would alter the landscape forever. Nick Hamilton has voiced his concerns, explaining that the machinery used in the solar farm would create constant noise, diminishing the peaceful environment that Barnsdale Gardens is known for. “Rather than having lovely views of crops and sky, we will have panels,” said Nick, adding that the solar farm would create an “industrial estate” atmosphere, which would be detrimental to visitors and the local wildlife.

The sound generated by the moving solar panels could be particularly disruptive. As Nick explained, the panels are designed to move with the sun, creating an incessant noise that would make it difficult for people to converse without raising their voices. Additionally, this would eliminate the calming sounds of birdsong that are so integral to the gardens’ peaceful atmosphere. Nick worries that the development will “kill the business,” as it would turn the space from a rural, tranquil environment into an industrial site.

The Rutland Wildlife Sanctuary, located nearby, is also worried about the proposed development. Chris Lawton, who has managed the sanctuary for 25 years, voiced his concerns about the impact the solar farm could have on local wildlife. The noise from the panels would be disturbing to the sanctuary’s birds of prey, whose acute hearing makes them particularly sensitive to sound. The construction of the solar farm would also disrupt the natural habitat for deer, ospreys, and other wildlife that depend on the surrounding woodlands.

The community surrounding Barnsdale Gardens has expressed concern over the plans as well. Ollie Smith, a local resident who lives next to the proposed site, fears that Rutland could become “the battery of England” if it continues to be covered in solar panels. He believes solar farms should be constructed on rooftops or in car parks rather than on British farmland, which is essential for both agriculture and wildlife.

In response to the community’s concerns, Econergy has made several revisions to the initial proposal. After a consultation in 2022, changes were made to the design of the solar farm, including the introduction of bat and bird boxes, a buffer zone around certain areas, and a £1 million contribution to community-led improvements. Rutland County Council will also receive £150,000 annually from Econergy if the development proceeds.

The solar farm would take approximately seven weeks to complete if approved. A final decision on the plans will be made after February 25, 2025, by the Rutland County Council planning committee. In the meantime, Nick Hamilton and Chris Lawton have launched a petition to prevent the development from going forward, emphasizing the potential long-term impact on the local ecosystem and the Barnsdale Gardens experience.

Barnsdale Gardens remains one of Rutland’s most important tourist attractions, drawing visitors from across the country. The gardens, which represent decades of careful design and dedication, are not just a personal project for the Hamilton family but a legacy that has shaped British gardening culture. The proposed solar farm development threatens to disrupt that legacy, and as the council reviews the plans, the community and those involved with Barnsdale Gardens will continue to fight for its preservation.

As the situation unfolds, the fate of Barnsdale Gardens hangs in the balance, with locals and wildlife advocates hoping that their efforts will result in a solution that preserves both the natural beauty of Rutland and the future of this iconic gardening landmark.

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