Forest Gate

Forest Gate Solar Farm near Chippenham was granted planning permission in 2023 and was developed by Eden renewables. Zero North Wiltshire and BWCE are planning to purchase 10.7MW of this 50MW solar farm through a joint venture, bringing around 20% of the solar farm into community ownership. The community solar farm will be operated by the joint venture company North Wilts Community Solar and generate around £50,000 a year community benefit for 40 years.

Forest Gate combines commercial scale with real community ownership. Once operational, the community-owned portion alone will generate enough clean electricity to power more than 2,500 homes.

This means local people will have the opportunity to collectively own part of a nationally significant renewable energy asset — ensuring that the financial and social benefits remain in the community for decades.

Delivered with experienced partners

Forest Gate is being delivered through a strong partnership that combines commercial expertise with proven community energy leadership.

• Eden Renewables is leading the project’s development, bringing extensive experience in delivering large-scale solar projects
  

• Bath & West Community Energy, one of the UK’s most established community energy organisations, is partnering with us to deliver long-term community ownership
  

• Zero North Wiltshire is securing Wiltshire’s stake in the project - making sure the community that hosts the site shares in the benefits and has a meaningful voice in its future.