We all love a starry night… so why not join our campaign in north Kent?

A starry sky is one of the most magical sights the countryside can offer. It also supports Earth’s wildlife and for centuries has been essential, in one way shape or form, for human civilisation.

Now, with ever-expanding urbanisation and subsequent artificial light at night (ALAN), we are losing our dark skies. Data from 2023 indicates that only one in 20 people in the UK can now enjoy a starry sky as the glow from ALAN creates too much disruption.

This light pollution not only limits our views of the sky and the wonder of the stars but it also disrupts our circadian rhythms and sleep cycles and, as such, is bad for our health.

ALAN also massively impacts on our wildlife’s essential natural patterns. Important night-time pollinators such as moths have declined by 40 per cent and ALAN is thought to have played a significant part of that decline. Buglife states that two-thirds of invertebrates are partially or wholly nocturnal, while even diurnal species can be impacted by the loss of a dark sky. This is resulting in a lack of pollination as nocturnal pollinators visiting flowers have reduced by 62 per cent in some areas.

Some mammals also emerge too early from hibernation because of light pollution, and others will try to avoid the light altogether, which disrupts their natural activities such as mating and hunting.

We want, and need, to reclaim our dark skies. As such, CPRE Kent are delighted to be continuing a long history of dark-sky campaigning via launching a Medway Dark Skies project.

Focusing entirely on the Medway area initially, the project will aim to influence planning and policy to safeguard our dark skies into the future.  We also aim to work with developers, industry and businesses to raise awareness of night-time lighting and reverse some of the local light pollution now.

We will also be raising awareness among residents via the creation of guides and informative fun activities for all ages.

We will be working in partnership with groups such as Mid-Kent Astronomical Society, Kent Moth Group, Plantlife and Medway Council to deliver a range of events that will illuminate the need for dark skies. Events will include bat-watching, moth identification, ‘reveal’ walks using 60W 365nm UV torches and measuring glow at various places using Unihedron SQM-L Sky Quality Meters.

Watch out for upcoming downloadable content and news on events and activities. If you would like to volunteer to assist in any of the events and activities, please email info@cprekent.org.uk