Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Kent, England, RSPB Dungeness nature reserve stands as a beacon of environmental and wildlife conservation. It is a diverse site with miles of shingle, freshwater pits, wet grassland and wildflower meadows.
Looking after the reserve is a year round job for the conservation team. They work hard to manage the land, maintain habitats and allow people to visit and enjoy the site. One of the team’s most important land management jobs involves the movement of water around the site to either manage flooding or keep areas wet for specific plant growth.
In 2023, the charity invested in a Futurepump solar pump to support their work. We recently caught up with the team to find out how it has helped.
What specific job is the SF2 used for?
It’s a full time job for the SF2, with different uses depending on the season.
During the scorching summer months, these pumps play a pivotal role in maintaining optimal moisture levels across grassland fields. This not only makes a good environment for breeding waders and birds but also ensures a sustainable water supply for grazing cattle.
Come winter, the solar pumps seamlessly transition into flood management tools, mitigating the impact of high rainfall by redirecting water from public areas into nearby lakes or ditches.
What challenges is the solar pump helping to overcome at the site?
The decision to adopt solar pumps at RSPB Dungeness comes from an assessment of the site’s unique requirements. Unlike traditional alternatives like diesel or electric pumps, solar-powered systems offer a quieter, more environmentally sensitive solution that operates autonomously without the need for constant supervision or refuelling.
Moreover, advancements in solar technology mean that now solar pumps are portable and easy to deploy. This minimises the need for someone to set up or check on the pump and helps to maximise efficiency.
The benefits from using the pumps
Since they have started using solar pumps the site has seen benefits in its water management practices. When it’s sunny, the pumps allow a steady trickle of water, so key habitats can stay damp without being flooded. As the pump is self-priming it does not need to be switched on and off each day which means one less thing for the team to worry about.
Coupled with the fact that the pump is “pretty much maintenance free” and doesn’t need any daily inputs, it’s ideal for a remote site.
A solar pump is different from a fuel pump… this comes with many advantages but has required some behaviour change
The reduced pumping rate compared to fuel pumps does make them less suited in flood management scenarios that demand rapid water displacement. However, their ability to maintain consistent moisture levels in designated areas, with no need for refuelling, makes them invaluable assets in habitat preservation.
But it’s worth it. By harnessing the inexhaustible power of the sun, organisations can not only mitigate environmental impact but also pave the way towards a greener, more resilient future for generations to come.
Recommendations for using solar pumps for conservation in UK
If you are thinking about purchasing a solar water pump for year round conservation in the UK, there are a few tips we’ve learnt from this site. You’ll want to maximise how much solar you can ‘collect’ with the panel by opting for the double-solar option (240W). This helps to mitigate against variable solar conditions through the day/year.
