Light pollution disrupting sleep and wildlife

[Still Waters]

Excessive lighting at night is damaging the countryside, disrupting wildlife and even affecting people's sleep patterns, campaigners have claimed.

This week, Britons are being asked to take part in a nationwide survey that involves counting stars to see if light pollution is getting worse.

Emma Marrington, a rural policy campaigner at the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), said: "Light pollution damages the character of the countryside, blurs the distinction between town and country, and denies people the experience of a dark, starry sky.

"But this isn't just about the effect on star gazing or countryside. Light pollution can disrupt wildlife and badly affect people's sleeping patterns."

Wildlife campaigners, including the RSPB, claim excessive lighting at night can cause problems for birds, nocturnal mammals, and insects.

Read more...