Why we should all help reduce light pollution
31st January
Would you like to help maintain the beauty of the East Sussex countryside, by monitoring light pollution and the darkness of the night sky?
Wealden retains some of the darkest skies in the South (one of the reasons why the Royal Greenwich observatory was in Herstmonceux from 1957 to 1979), and the Milky Way is still visible on certain nights. But we are at risk of losing this important heritage.
The natural cycle of dark nights and daytime light, it turns out, is essential to everything. Studies on the impact of light pollution show that for humans, an increase in artificial light leads to reduced levels of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep cycles. This, in turn, is linked to obesity, depression and diabetes!
Studies on nocturnal animals impacted by sky-brightening show them foraging for shorter durations at night, and birds singing and searching for worms earlier in the day. Many insects are drawn to singeing bulbs or fast-moving car lamps. A study[1] at the University of Exeter concludes that artificial sky brightening has widened to the point of systemic disruption. It is argued that connecting to the natural world of a starry night is fundamental to us taking care of our home planet and one another.
What can we do as individuals? Scientists say we need to question the idea that we should be afraid of the dark. Start with the simplest measures and only shine lights when they are absolutely required. Restrict the timing, intensity and spectrum of artificial lights. Draw your curtains. Install downward-pointing garage lights, with timers and sensors and low amber bulbs. Importantly, avoid outdoor LEDs.
Action groups like Friends of the Earth, CPRE, and the Green Party are all urging the government to tackle light pollution and associated wasted energy; they call for action against the over-use of security lights, floodlights and streetlights and encourage the use of new lighting technology that allows upward light pollution to be minimised without compromising road safety or increasing crime.
It’s a win-win situation. Reducing excess artificial light saves money. Currently, the Council for the Preservation of Rural England accounts for one billion pounds of waste in inefficient lighting.
– Would you like to help protect the exemplary night landscapes in your area? Contact s.nicholas@highweald.org to borrow a sky quality meter, and Sign up here to help the High Weald count the stars.
– Would you like to know more about Light pollution? To discover Light pollution in your area, go to CPRE’s interactive map.
– Would you like to teach your children and grandchildren about the stars, and become a Dark Sky Champion. Join the CPRE star count, Feb 6-14th. https://www.cpre.org.uk. Email Emma Marrington to sign up and receive a free information pack about the stars – campaigns@cpre.org.uk
All photos by courtesy of the High Weald AONB
Article kindly written by Dallington resident Tania Spooner.
