Buckingham MP charges up on community energy — and Bee Green Grants

A special guest was welcomed to our solar farm earlier this month, as Buckingham and Bletchley’s MP Callum Anderson was given a tour of Gawcott Fields Community Solar.

The MP was welcomed on the condition that he packed his wellies for a walking tour of the 4.17-megawatt solar farm on the outskirts of Gawcott.

During the visit, Callum was offered an overview of the project, including its development, performance, and contribution to the local community.

The tour highlighted how the site generates renewable electricity while working alongside environmental and community considerations, and how excess revenue from the sale of electricity to the National Grid is used to fund local projects.

Labour MP Callum visited the solar farm to see it in action. He discussed with our Board members how renewable energy can improve energy security, cut carbon emissions, and help move the UK toward a low-carbon economy. The visit followed the Government’s announcement this week of record new funding for community-owned renewable energy projects.1

Gawcott Solar directors Gabby Mallett and Tony Ulph were on hand to discuss the project. Gabby said: “It was great to give Callum a tour of the site and show him what we do, and we even had a break in the awful weather to show him around.”

“He showed real interest in the work we do and clearly wants to help us spread the word about the grant funding we have available for local organisations.”

Gabby added: “We want to spread the word in the community that we have funding available for green ideas in the Buckingham area. We have funded a very diverse range of projects and charities in the past, so we welcome anyone to visit our website and review the Bee Green grant criteria.”

During the tour, the group chatted about the potential to fund solar panel systems for nearby schools, allowing them to reduce their energy bills for years to come. The solar farm already hosts fully funded educational trips for nearby schools, where pupils learn about solar, ecology and climate change.

After the tour, Callum said: “It was brilliant to visit Gawcott Fields Community Solar this week. As well as producing clean energy, it is run as a Community Interest Company – giving back to the local area. It’s a win-win situation for our residents.”

“This visit comes on the same week that our Labour government have announced an extra up to £1bn funding for local energy projects like this one. Our Community Energy Plan is delivering the biggest public investment in community energy in this country’s history. Gawcott Solar has already funded projects such as energy-efficiency upgrades for Gawcott Village Hall and an air-source heat pump for Tingewick Village Hall nearby. The organisation has also supported local sports clubs, including Buckingham Golf Club, Buckingham Rugby Club and the town cricket club with grants for rooftop solar installations – helping to lower energy bills.

In addition, Gawcott Fields Community Solar has supported local charities such as Citizens Advice Bucks, enabling them to extend their opening hours to offer advice and support to those facing financial and energy-related pressures. Funding is available via the organisation’s Bee Green Grant Fund, which has awarded more than £300,000 in community funding to organisations within a roughly 5km radius of Gawcott village since 2016.

For more information or to apply, please visit the Gawcott Solar website at gawcottsolar.co.uk, which can also be found via the Gawcott Fields Community Solar website.