The scheme
Isle of Anglesey County Council’s Countryside and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Unit have launched a grant scheme that will assist residents and businesses to reduce the amount of light pollution by improving the well-being of their communities, protect wildlife and reduce energy costs.
This grant scheme has been made possible thanks to Welsh Government’s (WG) Sustainable Landscapes Sustainable Places (SLSP) funding of £65,000 (over 3 years). 100% funding is provided for each project within the grant scheme.
98% of the UK population live under light polluted skies. Research and emerging studies are proving that light pollution is damaging to health and well-being leading to issues such as insomnia, high blood pressure and even hormonal illnesses such as diabetes. It is only recently that these serious health issues have come to light.
Our biodiversity is also negatively impacted by light pollution, with over 60% of all species requiring a natural darkness to survive.
This grant scheme follows on from previous Welsh Government SLSP funding and shows our commitment to tackling light pollution and protecting the night sky.
Lights will be replaced by the best standard of light fixture and fitting to ensure they are ‘dark sky friendly’ and fit for purpose. ‘Dark sky friendly’ doesn’t mean no lights, it simply means we use the right amount of light, at the right time and in the right place.
How to apply
Residents and businesses can apply using the application form on this page.
Lumen
Measurement unit for the lighting output of lamps or fixtures. In lighting, lumens can be compared to miles travelled and watts can be compared to fuel consumption.
Lux
Measurement unit for illuminance, or lumens per unit of area. One lux is equivalent to one lumen per square metre.
Candela
Measurement unit for luminous intensity, which is the amount of light emitted in a particular direction
Watts
Measurement unit for the electric power consumption of lighting fixtures, or any other appliance that runs with electricity.
SQM
The 'Sky Quality Meter' measures the brightness of the night sky in magnitudes per square arcsecond.
Kelvin
Temperature of the light.
Baffle
Used to shield lights causing glare.
Cut off angle
Viewing angle beyond which it is no longer possible to see a light source directly, measured from the direction exactly below the lamp (nadir).
Sky glow
The wasted light that is sent into the sky, creating light pollution and ‘domes’ of light over urbanised areas.
Glare
Excessive brightness that causes discomfort.
Clutter
Bright, confusing and over excessive grouping of multiple light sources.
Light trespass
Light falling where it is not needed. Can be seen as a nuisance and disrupt residents when effecting homes.
