More light sensors planned to protect dark skies

The stars were visible in Ambleside during a previous Dark Skies event

More light sensors to measure light pollution and help protect dark skies across parts of Cumbria are set to be installed.

The first of two thermal energy storage system meters were fitted this month at St Bridget's Primary School near Cockermouth and Ennerdale Primary School in Cleator Moor, as part of a network of hundreds around the world.

Friends of the Lake District Dark Skies project officer Jack Ellerby said light pollution had been "slightly increasing" year on year in the area, affecting important pollinators like moths.

Mr Ellerby said four additional meters would be installed next year in Kendal, Troutbeck, in the Furness Peninsula and near Carlisle.

The meters, from the Stars4All Foundation, take measurements every minute to monitor levels of light pollution.

The readings from around the world are available to all, including researchers.

A light meter was installed at Brigham School in Cockermouth earlier this month

Mr Ellerby said reducing the impact of light pollution would help reverse the "catastrophic decline" in insect and invertebrate populations.

"When we humans are tucked up in bed a huge number of other species are busy breeding, feeding and migrating during the hours of darkness," he said.

The charity also ran information sessions at the schools.

As part of the sessions, children created posters about protecting dark skies and were given advice cards on changes that could be made at home to avoid light pollution, including using warmer coloured bulbs and installing motion-activated lights.