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Our Dark Sky

It is very easy to forget that wild species including humans have evolved to operate in both daylight and night time. Artificial light removes a natural part of a time that wildlife uses to rest, migrate, hunt, hide and function during the day time. As humans we can close the curtains and turn off the lights inside our homes at will. Wildlife does not have such control and becomes vulnerable, having learnt to live and rely on the cover of darkness. Keeping our skies dark protects those natural ecosystems.

Here in Embsay and Eastby many people are lucky enough to gaze into a dark night sky. It is a gift, part of the character of where we live and something we must protect and value. Of course, light is necessary but stray light, overly intense, or misdirected, is not. It also impacts on our well-being, balance of sleep and wakening time. The increase of light at night decreases our melatonin production which results in sleep deprivation.  The type of light has an impact too. High intensity light, which can be energy- efficient, emits more UV light that we can’t see but some wildlife can. Our LED street lights are pointed downward but are extremely intense and focused. These lights are rich on the blue wavelength which is now known to damage your retina. Finally, it uses energy which as we know is costly and in many cases is derived from using fossil fuels.

Recently research has shown artificial light at night disrupts insects’ day and night patterns. Flowering plants that bees reply on are impacted by artificial light. We are just beginning to uncover the way in which light pollution wreaks havoc on the environment.

So please think before you install an outside light. Is the light shining upward and just lighting the sky? Can it be shielded in some way? Does it need to be on? Can it come on just when something moves or just when you need it to? Keep your curtains closed and keep your light inside.

The night sky is a way in which we can connect with the wider universe and understand our place so to lose it is to lose something bigger than us.

Simple ways you can help.

Only put your outside light on when needed and give wildlife a chancE

Embsay with Eastby Environmental Action Group