Skip to content

Reduce Light Pollution

The Milky Way over Morston Quay
The Milky Way over Morston Quay Steve Lansdell

The skies of Norfolk are renowned for their beauty, not just during the day but also at night. Increasing levels of artificial lighting threaten extensive areas of countryside that are currently dark, tranquil and rural.

Light pollution is a problem that can be solved by adopting strong planning policies and taking individual action.

The Milky Way over lavender fields

How you can help limit light pollution

1. Only install outdoor lights if really needed.
The best way to prevent light pollution is to avoid the use of any outdoor lights.

2. Use white light low-energy LED lamps.
Avoid orange or pink sodium lights which have an urbanising effect and are less energy efficient.

3. Ensure all outdoor lights are fully shielded* and directed downwards.
(*enclosed in ‘full cut-off flat glass’ fitments so that no glass is visible beneath the lamp’s cover)

4. Only switch on outdoor lights when absolutely necessary.
Avoid ‘dusk to dawn’ lamps and use ‘PIR’ movement sensor lights or time switches instead.

Download the guide