The aim of the project is to raise awareness of the importance of dark skies across a range of environmental and social factors and to make an assessment of the quality of the night time skies across the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB.
Darkness is essential for around 60% of our wildlife who are most active at night. It can also significantly contribute to our own health and wellbeing as evidence shows that sleep is often disturbed by a lack of proper darkness at night. Dark skies are also increasingly important as a tourism asset where landscapes that offer unblemished views of the stars at night are sought after by visitors. More sympathetic and energy efficient lighting in communities can satisfy community needs at lower cost and with minimal spilling light pollution.
The project seeks to:
• Engage communities and agencies to raise awareness of the importance of dark skies.
• Make an Assessment of the quality of the night sky within the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley using the IDA Guidelines
• Provide advice and guidance to communities and businesses in lighting schemes that will help to preserve the quality of the night sky whilst providing for lighting needs. ‘