Opponents of 3,700-acres Kingsway Solar Farm near Haverhill to join National Community Walk at its proposed locations in West Wratting and Balsham

A group formed to challenge a proposed 3.700 acres solar farm not far from Haverhill is joining other campaign groups for an awareness-raising walk on Sunday.

Kingsway Solar Community Action (KSCA), and the other groups will take part in the first-ever National Community Walk, a peaceful, coordinated effort to raise awareness about the growing impact of large-scale solar farms, pylons and battery storage (BESS) on rural landscapes.

KCSA was formed in opposition to the Kingsway Solar proposal put forward by Downing Renewable Developments that covers more than 1,500 hectares of farmland and countryside across Balsham, West Wratting, Weston Colville, Willingham Green, and Carlton.

This is larger than the area of Heathrow Airport and, should it go ahead, would be the biggest solar farm in the UK.

Vicky Moss from KSCA, said: “This enormous development would drastically change our communities and this is a positive way to show what makes our countryside special - and what we risk losing if industrial-scale projects like Kingsway Solar go ahead.”

The project includes major new infrastructure connecting the site to the National Grid at Burwell South Substation, affecting even more rural land and including battery storage that carry uncertain safety risks.

This area is known for its farmland, footpaths and rich biodiversity. KSCA believes large-scale energy schemes must be carefully planned to avoid long-term harm to landscapes, habitat, heritage and jobs.

The National Community Walk was inspired by the success of grassroots events in south Norfolk, where the community group Block East Pye Solar (BEPS) has hosted a series of well-attended countryside walks around proposed solar sites.

Their most recent event attracted nearly 200 participants and was featured on the BBC.

Sunday’s walk will follow a gentle, family-friendly route through public footpaths around West Wratting.

It starts at 10am and walkers should meet at West Wratting Village Hall and park at the nearby recreation ground.

The main walk is 2.25 miles; a shorter one-mile route is also an option.

Dogs on leads are welcome, and there will be signs and local volunteers along the route, so no local knowledge is needed to take part.

After the walk, everyone is invited to West Wratting Village Hall to enjoy tea, cake, and a chance to chat with others from the community.

KSCA will also provide a short talk about the Kingsway Solar proposals, outlining what’s planned, why we’re opposing them, and how you can get involved. Donations will support KSCA’s ongoing work.

Footage from the walk will contribute to national BBC coverage as part of the wider campaign.