Nusrat Ghani, MP for Sussex Weald, met with local residents John Murray (Mayfield) and David Field (Wadhurst) who coordinate the Dark Sky initiative in their local parishes.
The Dark Sky initiative aims to restore the nighttime environment and protect communities and wildlife from light pollution by adopting simple lighting practices that minimise light pollution and energy waste. Several local parishes across the High Weald, including Wadhurst and Mayfield and Five Ashes are currently working together to promote dark skies and move towards International Dark Skies Community status.
Local representatives of the initiative are raising awareness across Sussex Weald villages and towns, working with parish councils, statutory bodies, landowners and residents to achieve measurable improvements in lighting practice and reduce light pollution, while maintaining well-directed lighting where necessary for public safety.
Nusrat Ghani said: “I was pleased to meet with John and David to understand the simple changes that can be made to reduce artificial light at night and make sure that lighting is appropriate. I applaud their passion and commitment to the environment, and the impact of excessive light pollution on local residents. While I accept the substantial and valid arguments about the impact on our environment and support them in principle, I will keep my position under review due to my reservations about potential unintended consequences, particularly that no additional burden is put on our businesses. I am keen to work on initiatives around education and communication, not added regulation. I look forward to hearing more about how our parish councils deliver tangible environmental outcomes in line with dark skies and the positive benefits that it can bring.”
