A North Wales wide partnership have successfully secured funding to tackle artificial light’s ecological impacts across North Wales’ designated landscapes.
On behalf of Prosiect NOS partnership, the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape were successful in their bid titled Nocturnal Networks, being delivered by the Heritage Fund, on behalf of the Welsh Government’s Nature Networks Programme.
The partnership, which is made up from The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape, Anglesey National Landscape, Llyn National Landscape and Eryri National Park Authority were awarded £247,225 to address issues caused by Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) which is altering species behaviour and threatening biodiversity.
Darkness is a vital part of our natural heritage and essential for the survival of over 30% of vertebrates and 60% of invertebrates, as most life forms are governed by light-regulated biological rhythms.
However, Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) is disrupting these cycles. The Nocturnal Networks project will identify key pollution zones through light mapping, conduct ecological surveys and collaborate with landowners, communities, and agencies to develop plans for future retrofitting and shielding activities to limit its disruption.
The funding will also support the creation of two new roles, with one Dark Ecological Networks Officer aiding the development of these plans to protect the natural darkness which is essential for the ecosystem’s health, and one Audience Engagement Officer tasked with raising awareness and supporting behaviour change through public engagement events.
Councillor Alan James, Lead Member for Local Development and Planning said:
“We are delighted to have secured this funding to address the problems that come with light pollution. Securing this funding would not have been possible without the hard work and collaboration of the Proisect NOS partnership which includes the designated landscapes across North Wales. This funding will go a long way in protecting our species, through conducting essential tests and surveys and raising awareness on the potential effects Artificial Light at Night can have”.
