The fund was established by Harmony Energy following the sale of the Skeeby Solar Farm prior to construction in 2023, and supports projects that improve the environment, sustainability and community life in the surrounding area. Harmony Energy remains deeply committed to the area through the development of the Skeeby Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
Richmond Bike Park will use the funding to create a free-to-access, purpose-built bike skills park on the outskirts of Richmond town, on land at Green Howards Road and Whashton Road. Inspired by the Devil’s Toenail community bike park in Wetherby, the park will feature progressive trails for all ages and abilities, from young beginners building confidence to experienced riders honing their technique. The park will fill a significant gap for local families and cycling enthusiasts and aligns with Harmony Energy’s commitment to supporting causes that make a difference in the communities around its sites. The project is expected to launch in late 2026, directly benefiting residents across the Richmond area and surrounding communities.
Richmond Bike Park committee chair Louise Raine said: “We are so grateful for the community fund donation from Harmony Energy. It makes all the hard work possible, and alongside the generosity provided by the local community, will help us deliver a top-class facility that is free to use for all. The money granted means the project will be delivered this year, and we are so very excited to move this forward at pace now, working with a sector-leading contractor in bike trail building. This means this facility will be a huge benefit for generations to come, improving health and wellbeing and community in the local area.”
Rt Hon Rishi Sunak, MP for Richmond and Northallerton, said: “Having recently visited the site, I know how much work has gone into this project. It’s fantastic to see community funding helping bring Richmond Bike Park a step closer to reality and creating a lasting facility for local people to enjoy.”
Alongside the headline award, the fund has supported a further 11 projects spanning community space, sustainability education, celebratory events and more across the Richmond area. The awards reflect Harmony Energy’s commitment to ensuring that communities closest to its developments share meaningfully in the benefits of the UK’s transition to clean energy.
Harmony Energy’s Sustainability Lead, Pippa Greenwood, said: “Seeing the breadth of projects this fund has supported, from a new bike park to sustainability education and community spaces, is a real reminder of what local people can achieve when they have the right backing. We are proud that Harmony Energy can play a part in that, and we look forward to seeing these projects come to life across the Richmond area.”
Full list of Skeeby Solar Community Fund recipients
The following 12 projects have been selected to receive funding from the Skeeby Solar Community Fund:
- Richmond Bike Park – Richmond Bike Park aims to create a safe, inclusive, and accessible bike skills park in the area.
- Richmond MayFest – Support community groups and the delivery of the MayFest.
- Richmond (Yorks) Bowls Club – Support’s the funding of the clubhouse roof upgrade for the 75th anniversary.
- Richmondshire Cricket Club – Contribute to the club refurbishment project – a phased project with other external funding.
- Richmond Methodist Primary School – Contributes to purchasing a school composter, empowering students to reduce waste, create nutrient‑rich soil, and promote sustainability through hands‑on environmental learning, community engagement, and action.
- Brompton-on-Swale Parish Council – Upgrading existing windows to double‑glazed units to support with heat loss and improve overall energy efficiency.
- Original Richmond Business and Tourism Association – Support with the funding of the Christmas fair.
- Richmondshire Rugby Union Football Club – Replace the Club House front door.
- Richmond Walking and Book Festival – Support the funding of the annual Book and Boot festival for the local community and visitors to Richmond, designed to inspire, educate and challenge all who attend.
- Richmondshire Landscape Trust – Support the funding of new fencing to improve public safety, local biodiversity, and the natural environment.
- Just The Job Environmental Enterprise Ltd – Support the funding of the BIG Green Build. This will create specialist rooms for activities, fully accessible toilets, multi-use outdoor areas and a horticultural project, allowing more space for community groups to access.
- Richmond and District Civic Society- Support the funding of a new virtual reality tour to the Town Trail.
