Why do dark skies matter?

Dark skies are a vanishing natural treasure that connect us to the cosmos and our own place in it. When we look up at a truly dark sky, we can see the magnificent sweep of the Milky Way – our home galaxy with its glittering river of stars, nebulae, and cosmic dust. This awe-inspiring view has inspired humanity's dreams, myths, and scientific pursuits for millennia, yet it's now hidden from view for most of Earth's population.

Excessive artificial lighting at night doesn't just rob us of these celestial wonders – it disrupts the natural rhythms of life. Our bodies evolved with the daily cycle of light and dark, producing melatonin in response to darkness. Artificial light at night interferes with this process, potentially contributing to sleep disorders, stress, and even some health conditions. Wildlife suffers too: migrating birds become disoriented by city lights and nocturnal animals' hunting and mating patterns are disrupted. That's especially important in the beautiful High Weald around us, which is home to many species of wildlife that we want to help and preserve.

The financial and environmental costs of light pollution are substantial. Much outdoor lighting is poorly designed, sending light upward where it serves no purpose. This wasteful practice costs billions in unnecessary electricity expenses globally while consuming fossil fuels and generating CO2 emissions. Simple solutions like shielded light fixtures, motion sensors, and appropriate brightness levels can dramatically reduce both light pollution and energy use.

By preserving dark skies, we protect not just our view of the cosmos, but also our health, our wildlife, and our planet's climate. The solutions are readily available – we just need the will to implement them and recognize darkness as the precious resource it is.​​​​​​​​​​​