Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s Swanwick Education Centre has taken a significant stride towards environmental sustainability with the installation of solar panels, now actively generating clean, renewable energy on-site.

The centre is one of the first Wildlife Trust centres in the UK to integrate solar panels into its infrastructure - a milestone which strengthens its reputation as a long-standing leader in environmental education. 

The installation marks a key step towards the Trust’s ambition to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. It also forms part of a wider initiative led by NATS (National Air Traffic Services), in partnership with solar specialists Custom Solar.

Visitors can track the Centre’s solar energy generation in real time thanks to a SolarEdge monitoring platform. This online dashboard provides live performance data, bringing the science to life for visitors and school groups.

Interpretation panels within the Centre, which is celebrating its 32nd year as a hub for environmental education, provide educational insights into the sustainability project, further enriching the learning experience for children and families. 

In addition to the solar panels, new electric vehicle (EV) charging points have also been installed in Swanwick Lakes Nature Reserve’s car park, supporting greener travel options for staff, volunteers, and visitors.

Dawn Preston, Training and Education Officer at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust said: “This project not only reduces our carbon footprint but also serves as a tangible example of sustainable practices for our visitors. It's a testament to our enduring partnership with NATS and our shared commitment to environmental stewardship.

“It’s more than just solar panels on a roof – it’s a sign of hope. We’re showing our visitors, especially young people, that sustainability isn’t just a word – it’s something you can see in action, right here where they’re learning about nature.”

The installation supports both NATS’s drive to reduce emissions across its operations and the Trust’s commitment to sustainability, aligning closely with The Wildlife Trust’s collective goal of becoming net zero by 2030. Priorities from the Trust’s climate position statement include cutting emissions, reducing consumption, and transitioning away from fossil fuels - with buildings and on-site renewable energy generation among the most impactful areas for change.

“We’ve been delivering education at Swanwick Lakes Nature Reserve for over 30 years, and this long-standing support from NATS means we can lead by example,” adds Dawn. “The solar panels are already sparking great conversations about climate action – and that’s exactly what we need.”