Mylor Group Champion Dark Skies

The aim is simply to manage the lighting around the area to benefit wildlife and humans, presenting simple ways of reducing light pollution. And with the old yellow sodium lights in the parish recently replaced by new white LED lights, Mylor was the ideal place to raise awareness of the issues.
Group action began with investigating potential Dark Skies Discovery sites. This campaign encourages people to find local sites where they can enjoy stargazing. To qualify a site needs to be away from direct streetlighting, with good sightlines (not blocked by buildings or trees) and safe, level access.

It’s also started a Dark Skies Champions scheme, with two local businesses – the Village Stores and the Post Office – being the first to receive certificates for being aware of light pollution and taking steps to reduce it.

Each business had to complete a survey form showing awareness of the issues and the measures they’ve taken to reduce their `light’ footprint. These included turning lights off when not needed, making sure lights are shielded to avoid light being cast in all directions, and replacing bright white LEDs with warmer colours.

Now Mylor Dark Skies has plans to reach out into the community. A recent Brownies activity ran very successfully, featuring the folk stories behind some of the constellations and a star activity, using a template to prick out a constellation then project that onto a wall by shining a torch through the holes.

The local primary school is also keen to get involved, and the group is hoping to extend the Dark Skies Champion scheme to individual households.