Photo: © Jeremy Watkins
Dark Skies Around Melbreak
The Melbreak Communities have been supporting Friends of the Lake District’s (FLD) Dark Skies Initiative over several years. You can find lots of information about current events and how you can help make a difference from their website here.
Our area is lucky to have dark enough skies to be filled with dazzling stars on clear nights and allow us to see the Milky Way. But light pollution is increasing. We need urgent action to stop light pollution and enhance our dark skies.
Our biggest light pollution comes from street lighting, particularly in Lorton where the village is spread out. Lorton has 41 street lights, a mix of orange sodium and unshielded white light, so we have a lot of light pollution. With FLD’s help, MBC was able to replace six light units with dark sky friendly new lighting, as a trial.
Our aim is to replace all of the street lighting, as this would improve habitats for wildlife, save money, and reduce carbon emissions, as well as enhancing our dark skies. But we are dependent on Cumberland Council implementing a wider programme in the former Allerdale area. We will continue to liaise with FLD and with Cumberland Council on Dark Skies. We also, from time to time, plan new Dark Sky events to fit in with FLD’s seasonal festivals.
Aine Kelly – July 2024
The Melbreak Communities 