Sample Solar Farm Landscape Plan — SolarPlan Ireland
Prepared by
SolarPlan Ireland
SVAERO Cadetics LLP · Mumbai, India
info@solarplanningireland.com
Report Reference
SPI-LAP-2024-001
SAMPLE DOCUMENT
Not for planning submission
Landscape Plan & Planting Schedule
Landscape Plan — Solar PV Farm
Sample Solar Farm, Co. Offaly, Ireland
1. Introduction and Scope
This Landscape Plan has been prepared by SolarPlan Ireland in support of a planning application for a proposed 15MW ground-mounted solar PV farm in Co. Offaly. The plan translates the mitigation recommendations of the accompanying Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) into a detailed planting and establishment programme.
The Landscape Plan comprises: (a) an AutoCAD drawing (SPI-LAP-001) showing all proposed planting areas, species zones, and habitat creation areas at 1:2,500; and (b) this accompanying Planting Schedule and Management Plan specifying species, quantities, sizes, spacing, and establishment care.
Landscape Design Principles
- All species are native to Ireland (BS 8545 / IPCC guidelines)
- Planting designed to enhance existing hedgerow network connectivity
- Wildflower grassland established under and between panel rows
- Planting phased to provide screening within 3–5 years
Drawing SPI-LAP-001 — Landscape Plan (Illustration)
Simplified schematic for illustration. Actual drawing produced in AutoCAD at 1:2,500.
2. Planting Schedule
All species are native Irish provenance. Sizes and spacing as specified below. Planting to be carried out between October and March.
| Ref | Species | Irish Name | Size | Spacing | Qty | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H1 | Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) | Sceach Gheal | 60–90cm whip | 0.45m | 2,800 | All perimeter hedgerows (primary species, 70%) |
| H2 | Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) | Draighneán Donn | 60–90cm whip | 0.45m | 600 | All perimeter hedgerows (20%) |
| H3 | Holly (Ilex aquifolium) | Cuileann | 60–90cm whip | 0.9m | 300 | All perimeter hedgerows (10%) |
| H4 | Hazel (Corylus avellana) | Coll | 60–90cm whip | 1.0m | 120 | Internal hedgerow (mixed) |
| T1 | Oak (Quercus robur) | Dair Ghallda | 1.2m std, 8/10 girth | 10.0m | 40 | Internal hedgerow, corner groups |
| T2 | Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) | Fuinseog | 1.2m std, 8/10 girth | 10.0m | 20 | Corner groups (disease-resistant stock) |
| T3 | Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) | Caorthann | 1.2m std, 8/10 girth | 8.0m | 15 | Corner groups |
| G1 | Wildflower grassland mix | Native meadow blend | Seed @ 4g/m² | n/a | 5.2ha | Under and between panel rows, buffer zones |
| G2 | Scrub willow (Salix spp.) | Saileach | 1.5–2.0m whip | 1.5m | 60 | Pond margins and wet areas |
3. Establishment and Management
Year 1
Establishment
- Install rabbit guards on all whips
- Water during dry spells (Apr–Sep)
- Replace failures before Dec Year 1
- Cut back competing grass around whips
Years 2–3
Early Growth
- Remove rabbit guards once whips exceed 1.2m
- Side-trim hedgerow at 1.2m to encourage basal thickening
- Mow wildflower areas once after Aug seed-set
- Inspect for ash dieback, replace if needed
Years 4–5
Establishment Complete
- Hedgerows to form effective screen by Year 5
- Annual hedgerow management cut (Sept–Feb only)
- Wildflower areas managed as traditional hay meadow
- Annual condition report to planning authority if required
Prepared by
SolarPlan Ireland · SVAERO Cadetics LLP
This is a sample document produced for illustration purposes only. It does not represent any specific planning application or client project.
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