Dark Skies Policy

Did you know that Bantham, Buckland & Thurlestone have a Dark Skies Policy?

Aren’t we fortunate to live in this beautiful Parish with its glorious clear night skies?

This leaflet is intended to remind householders that our Neighbourhood Plan has a dark skies policy that was created to reduce light pollution for stargazing and protect our local night- time wildlife.

You may not be aware of our protected bat colony and thriving tawny and barn owl populations but hopefully have witnessed the magical twinkling of our rare glow worms in the hedgerows in warmer months.

If we are not mindful about the amount of light leaking from our homes and gardens and are not prepared to collectively make small changes in behaviour and lifestyle, then the Parish will continue to get lighter, the stars dimmer and our local biodiversity will be diminished.

Why are our Dark Skies important to us?

Health & Wellbeing.

Dark skies help us to sleep, restore our circadian rhythms, help us recharge and enjoy the quiet timeless beauty of our coastlines at night.

The Night-time Food Cycle.

Did you know that moths are more efficient pollinators at night than day-flying bees? And that they and their caterpillars provide food for bats, hedgehogs and the chicks of migratory birds.

Why is the dark important to our night-time friends?

Owls

• Owls can find prey in very low light levels but will struggle to see the contrast of their prey in brighter light when curtains are left open and lights are left on.

Bats

• Bats eat insects, which are most abundant at twilight or just after.
• Insects are attracted to bright outside porch and patio lights that bats avoid, making food harder for them to come by.

Glow Worms

• Female glow worms depend on finding a mate from their green glow which is far harder to see if light spills from windows onto banks and verges causing a decline in their population.

What simple things can I do?

The most obvious yet most neglected solution is to simply close curtains and blinds at dusk as soon as lights are turned on inside. A great opportunity for young people to make a difference as learning these habits early on will help them be proactive across their life.

We love Velux because they let in so much light during the day but unfortunately, they are the worst culprits for upwards light spill. If you have Velux blinds please remember to use them, if not, think about fitting some.

Most can be controlled from your phone. Alternatively, a “Solar Tube / Sun Tunnel” could provide as much light during the day but far less light pollution at night.

If you have skylights or large expanses of glass but can’t fit blinds, try amber toned bulbs instead of stark white. Use lamps that provide targeted light instead of ceiling fittings or install dimmers and use them to reduce excess light.

If you are entertaining outside, warm ambient downlighters are best to enjoy the night sky with friends without adding to light spill. Switch off patio and porch lights when back indoors or fit automatic motion sensors. If away from home, check that automatic lights are switched off.