Rationale
We live in an age when we know more about the universe than at any other time in our history, yet we have never been less connected to it than we are today. 60% of Europeans and 80% of North Americans have never seen the Milky Way, yet it is visible on every clear night from dark locations anywhere on Earth. The fantastic spectacle of the night sky is hidden from most of the population because of the seemingly endless growth in light pollution that prevents us enjoying it.
In contrast to much of England, the North Pennines has truly dark night skies – it is the country’s darkest mainland National Landscape and only the Isles of Scilly National Landscape has darker skies.
Protecting our dark night skies is good for nature. Light pollution can have significant impact on the ecology of many different kinds of species. The breeding patterns of species which respond to changes in day length (usually signalled by light levels) can be affected, as can the ability to navigate by moonlight, or the ability to hunt successfully in what should be dark environments which have been polluted with artificial light.
The rhythms of animals’ lives have evolved in tune with natural light conditions, so it should be no surprise that dramatic alterations in the balance of these conditions will have a harmful effect on our wildlife, and, by acknowledged extension, on us.
It is possible to protect what remains of our dark night skies, and to improve night sky quality, by reducing light pollution. Over time, getting our lighting right also saves public money and saves energy. This is not about ‘turning the lights off’ – it is about the right lighting, in the right place and direction, on at the right time, to meet local need for safety and commerce, whilst looking after the environment and public health and well-being.
What natural services does this outcome provide?
There is a wealth of evidence linking reductions in light pollution to benefits for human health and well-being. Light pollution can be linked to poor sleep patterns and the resulting health issues this can generate. Local people stand to benefit greatly from reductions in light pollution in their streets.
Protecting and enhancing our dark night skies also offers economic benefits. Experiencing truly dark skies is a proven attractor to visitors. An advantage is that the peak time for observing dark skies is the autumn and winter; this activity can provide a manageable increase in visitors, with a potentially high visitor spend (partly due to the increase in potential for overnight stays) in traditional shoulder months or off-season. The last 10 years have seen a growth in work to celebrate and protect dark night skies. This includes the annual North Pennines Stargazing Festival and the creation of observatories at Grassholme, Alston Moor and Allenheads.
Which species are supported by this outcome?
Nocturnal and crepuscular species, and species which have their breeding and feeding patterns regulated in part by day length.
