Leading on behalf of the eight Designated Landscapes of Wales; Eryri, Bannau Brycheiniog, Pembrokeshire Coast National Parks, and Anglesey, Llŷn, Gower and Wye Valley National Landscapes, the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape manages the national Dark Skies project.
All Designated Landscapes have dark skies ambitions, all at different stages with everyone doing their own thing locally to improve their dark skies. A commonality that has been found between all Designated Landscapes is capital works that can be done to improve night skies. By working together, the project hopes to have a positive impact on the protected landscapes.
Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscapes has been granted funding through the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Landscapes Sustainable Places programme to fund lighting schemes and retrofitting projects across the eight Designated Landscapes. The project aims to reduce light pollution in these areas and to lessen the negative impacts for biodiversity, climate and public health and for the protection of Dark Skies.
Light pollution is an increasing issue globally, with an increase of up to 400% in the last 25 years.
It is only in recent years that the true impact on biodiversity has begun to be recognised. By reducing light pollution in designated areas the project will improve connectivity by restoring a natural nightscape.
Light pollution is a major driver of insect decline, especially winged insects and caterpillars. It disrupts the life cycle of a multitude of species both terrestrial and marine. Restoring natural darkness will strengthen ecosystem resilience and promote recovery of biodiversity. By looking at this on a landscape scale the project can significantly improve nocturnal corridors.
Dark Sky lighting is low energy and low carbon. It will lead to reduced carbon emissions in each designated area. Light retrofitting programmes will also reduce the overall energy consumption within the areas.
“Together, the National Parks and National Landscapes are all working hard to raise awareness of light pollution and how this impacts not just our view to the stars, but also our wildlife and health. We would love for you to join us on our journey around Wales’s protected landscapes to learn more about the work that is going on there to protect our Dark Skies and what you could do to help.”
Did You Know?
“Only 2% of the UK’s population experiences a truly Dark Sky”
For further information regarding the Sustainable Landscapes Sustainable Places Dark Skies Project please get in touch with Gwenno Jones Project Officer – gwenno.jones@denbighshire.gov.uk
Gweithgor Awyr Dywyll Cymru / Dark Skies Working Group Wales has been awarded the President’s Award for Best Landscape Scheme of the Year by the Landscape Institute for their groundbreaking publication, “Planning for Dark Skies – Good Practice Guidance.” Read more.
