Norfolk turns out in force for our “Getting Solar OFF the Land” exhibition

CPRE Norfolk’s landmark exhibition, Getting Solar OFF the Land, drew hundreds of visitors to Dereham Memorial Hall on Thursday 20th November, demonstrating unprecedented public interest in how renewable energy is delivered across the county.

The free, drop-in exhibition ran from 2pm to 8pm and attracted residents, farmers, students, parish councillors, local businesses, planners, community groups and political representatives – all keen to understand how large-scale solar proposals could shape Norfolk’s landscape and future.

Visitors explored a full walk-through exhibition featuring interactive maps, expert research, case studies, drone footage and visualisations of how Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) might affect farmland, wildlife, footpaths, views and rural communities.

A CPRE Norfolk spokesperson said:

“The response has been overwhelming. Norfolk cares deeply about its countryside, and people want renewable energy delivered in a way that protects the land we rely on for food, nature and community life. The attendance at this exhibition showed a clear appetite for better, smarter solutions.”

The exhibition featured a powerful mix of evidence, voices and lived experience including:

• Two large cumulative impact maps showing the scale of proposed solar development across South and West Norfolk
• Drone footage and digital visualisations created with local volunteers
• Expert analysis from Professor David Rogers (SolarQ), showing how rooftop and built-environment solar could exceed Net Zero targets
• Case studies from local action groups including East Pye and High Grove
• Boards covering impacts on farming, food security, biodiversity, tourism, landscapes, communities and public rights of way
• A ‘Renewables Done Well’ section highlighting better alternatives: rooftops, car parks, brownfield sites, offshore wind and nature-based solution

Student participation & ITV News

One standout moment was the arrival of a large group of Easton College Countryside & Environmental Conservation students, who attended after a tutor saw the exhibition advertised. Their engagement was described as “exceptional” and “hugely encouraging”.

ITV Anglia reporter Tanya Mercer also visited the exhibition and filmed a report for the evening broadcast. Watch her full report below.

The exhibition continues…

The exhibition did not end when everyone went home. The exhibits and all the information are now on display in our online exhibition which can be visited at any time

Visit the online exhibition