Light's out at Night, Nature’s delight

FIRST 'DARK SKY COMMUNITY' RECOGNISED IN WALES

Last February (2023) an island off the tip of the Llyn Peninsula on the North Wales coast received internationally recognised status as a 'Dark Sky Sanctuary'. Ynys Enlli (or 'Bardsey' Island) was the first place in Europe, and one of 16 other sites across the world to be rewarded with this accolade - where light at night is fairly limited or non-existent - in this case as the island's mountain serves as an effective barrier to anything radiating from the mainland.

Now, this January (2024), the small towns of Presteigne and Norton, in Powys, have become the first 'Dark Sky Community' in both Wales and mainland England. Following a six year campaign by the local community, Presteigne and Norton Town Council and Powys County Council, and an investment in the use of efficient, low energy streetlights, they have not only scaled down their impact on the environment with a significant 4.5 tonne reduction in their carbon dioxide emissions but can now see the glory of the night skies, and enjoy the beneficial effects on nature, especially night flying insects, birds and bats.

Light pollution interferes with the Earth's predictable rhythm of light and dark which plants and animals depend on for their life-sustaining behaviours such as reproduction, nourishment, sleep and protection from predators. Scientists have long known about the negative effects of artificial light at night on wildlife and human health, but every year new research adds even more species and often it can be deadly to many amphibians, birds, mammals, invertebrates and plants.

The success of the Welsh initiative has prompted authorities to consider rolling out similar lighting schemes across all of our isles. This will empower many other communities to pursue dark skies accreditation, which is crucial to the continuity of dark sky preservation across Wales and the United Kingdom, and the future of our wildlife.

** Some of the darkest places in Great Britain are to be found in our National Parks who are celebrating 'Dark Skies' festivals in the next few months. Click HERE to find out more about events near you as well as the best places to go stargazing.