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DARK SKIES – a sub‑project of Wilder Wenhaston

Background information

We are fortunate to live in a rural area with relatively dark night skies and this is one of the key characteristics of living in the countryside. There is increasing awareness of the impact that light pollution from artificial lighting can have on our wildlife.

Our insect numbers have plummeted in recent decades and as 60% are nocturnal many are attracted to artificial light. It was estimated in a study carried out in 2019 that a third of those attracted to lights are killed as a result. Declining insect populations negatively impact all species that rely on insects for food or pollination.

Light pollution interrupts natural rhythms. Many of us have heard birds singing in the middle of the night due to bright lighting.

Excessive lighting obliterates the stars. Many children will grow up never seeing the Milky Way. We are all aware of the glow visible from miles away around nearby towns.

Bright streetlights can interrupt our own sleep. Outdoor security lights left on through the night or constantly switching on and off can cause nuisance. The first UK law tackling light pollution came into force in 2006 under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act.

Excess lighting costs money. LED street lighting saves energy, but can be harsher and contain more blue light, which negatively affects circadian rhythms and insects. LEDs can, however, be dimmed, fitted with motion sensors, or filtered.

Research into lighting and crime shows mixed results. The crime prevention website is a useful source of information:

https://thecrimepreventionwebsite.com/external-lighting-for-the-home-and-garden/620/the-benefits-and-limitations-of-external-lighting/

Wilder Wenhaston investigations so far

We took part in the CPRE Star Count on 23rd February 2023 at Fox Hill. It was a clear, frosty night. We counted 14 stars in the Orion rectangle.

⭐ 0–5 very severe light pollution
⭐ 6–10 severe light pollution
⭐ 11–20 some light pollution
⭐ 21–25 fairly dark skies
⭐ 26–30 dark skies
⭐ 30+ truly dark skies

Full results: https://www.cpre.org.uk/what-we-care-about/nature-and-landscapes/dark-skies/star-count-2023/

Dark Sky Discovery Sites near Wenhaston: https://www.darkskydiscovery.org.uk/dark-sky-discovery-sites/map.html

Darsham Astronomical Society (DASH): https://www.darkskydiscovery.org.uk/dark-sky-discovery-sites/map.html

Neighbourhood Plan – policy extracts

Wenhaston with Mells Energy and Sustainability Policy – WwM P3
Projects to increase energy efficiency and low carbon emissions that impact on heritage assets should be accompanied by an assessment that demonstrates any harm is clearly and convincingly justified.

Suffolk Coastal District Local Plan DM26 seeks to minimise light pollution to prevent unnecessary intrusion into the countryside or impacts on residential amenity.

Wenhaston with Mells NDP Lighting Policy – WwM P4
Development should respect local character and in particular the dark skies that are characteristic of the Neighbourhood Area.

Lighting in the village – key concerns

  • Bright street lighting at Beckers View.
  • Harsh white LED lights.
  • Light spill across the Blyth valley.
  • Decline of dark skies.
  • Preference for torches where necessary.

Wilder Wenhaston survey results – February 2024

  1. 19 SCC‑owned lamps replaced by LEDs in March 2022, saving ~85% energy.
  2. Lights are dimmable and remotely controlled.
  3. Policy switches lights off between 23:30 and 06:00.
  4. National lighting standards are prioritised over biodiversity considerations.

/assets/Wilder-Wenhaston/Dark-Skies-Project/Street-light-survey-Feb-2024.pdf SEE STREET LIGHTING SURVEY DATA

Next steps

We are consulting with the Parish Council on our findings.

April 2024

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