Isle of Anglesey County Council’s [IACC] Countryside and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty [AONB] Unit are about to launch an exciting grant scheme that will help residents and businesses take control of damaging light pollution and increase the well-being of their communities and wildlife. This grant scheme has been made possible thanks to £50,000 funding from Welsh Government [WG] providing 100% funding 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 will be one of the first of its kind in Wales, and shows IACC’s commitment to tackling light pollution and protecting the night sky. Residents and businesses will be able to apply via an application form to IACC’s Countryside and AONB Unit to assess suitability for retrofitting their lights. These 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.

We are inviting Anglesey residents and businesses to contact us to register their interest in this grant scheme and to find out more information before we officially launch the grant scheme in the next few weeks.

Please contact Dani Robertson, Dark Sky Officer on:
dani.robertson@eryri.llyw.cymru