A solar farm in Wilburton opened its gates to the public on Friday to offer an insight into the world of renewable energy.

Wilburton solar farm, off Twenty Pence Road, was open throughout the day to give visitors a close-up view of how the solar farm works while highlighting the benefits the site has brought to wildlife.

The solar farm is capable of generating enough energy to power more than 1,200 homes and the first section was completed in 2011.

An extension was completed in 2013 – adding capacity to power a further 5,574 homes.

According to the solar farm owners, Lightsource Renewable Energy, since its installation, the site has also seen a dramatic increase in wild hare, butterflies, dragonflies and badger sets.

Farmland birds such as the grey partridge are also reported to have increased in numbers around the site.

Tim Hughes, who helps run the Wilburton farm, said: “We have already noticed a marked increase in bird and wild mammal numbers, together with much improved quantity and variety of insects and invertebrates.”