Shine the right light!
How you use lighting in your home and garden can have a BIG impact on insects and on our wildlife.
Nocturnal insects, including many moths, can become disoriented by artificial lightand light pollution is thought to be partly to blame for the decline of glow-worms.
Evidence suggests that all forms of artificial lighting (including LEDs and halogen)can impact wildlife and though moths and other night-flying insects may gatheraround lights, they don’t eat or mate while they are there and may circle the lightuntil they drop. They would rather be kept in the dark.
What do I need?
You don't need anything at all! Just keep your lights off as much as possible. You can also make small modifications to improve your current lighting.
When is the best time for the local wildlife?
You can take part in this action all year round to keep making a difference to insects local to you.
Get going and follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Only use outdoor lighting when you need it.
Leave dark spaces in your garden, particularly along hedges and in areas awayfrom the house.
Step 2: Use motion sensors or timers for essential or security lighting.
Turn off lights when not needed.
Step 3: Position lights as low as possible.
The use of hoods can help direct light downwards.
Step 4: Choose low intensity lighting.
Make sure to use warm white, yellow or amber hues. Solar lighting is best forgardens – it’s cheap and produces a soft glow.
Step 5: Choose the correct bulb for the task.
300-500W is far too bright for a small area, 150W is often more appropriate, anduses less energy – saving you money!
