Recently, I attended a seminar given by the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty regarding the designation as an International Dark-Sky Reserve (IDSR). The designation was ‘provisional’ only and requires improvements in reducing the amount of spilled light which has a detrimental impact on the darkness of the sky as well as on the wellbeing of nocturnal fauna and human health.
The international assessors of the IDSR require that 67% of all domestic and business outside lighting must meet Dark-Sky criteria. The sad fact is that the current level is assessed at between 15-20%.
If this is not addressed as a priority over the next 18 months, the Area could lose its Reserve status.
Reducing lighting is not just important to see the stars for those of us privileged to live in the AONB; it benefits astrotourism, attracting more visitors into the area and boosting the local economy. Reduced lighting protects insects and their predators, including bats. Too much blue light affects our circadian rhythms, may affect our own health and it kills insects.
The AONB officers can give businesses, farms and residents help in advising them on how to reduce light spill. You might want to think about the purpose of your lighting, timing of the lighting (does it need to be on all the time and would a motion sensor be more appropriate?), character of the light provided, switching and controls
Please feel free to contact them at info@cranbornechase.org.uk. There are often very simple and cheap ways to reduce light spill, so don’t be put off doing your bit to protect the IDSR.
Bridget Wayman
Councillor for Nadder Valley
Chair of South West Wiltshire Area Board
Tel: 07769 677318
Email: bridget.wayman@wiltshire.gov.uk
Web: www.wiltshire.gov.uk