The Royal Horticultural Society has issued a warning to gardeners about the use of artificial lighting in gardens, saying it could be accelerating the decline of wildlife
Solar lights in a garden are usually OK if dim(Image: Getty)
Gardeners are being cautioned against using lights on their homes or gardens due to the ‘apocalyptic’ effect that artificial lighting is believed to have on wildlife and nature during nighttime.
The Royal Horticultural Society’s research suggests that while low-level, dim solar lights are generally acceptable, more potent lighting, such as security lights and bright battery or plug-in lighting, could potentially speed up the decline of life in your garden.
They’re urging gardeners to heed this advice because the loss of insects could have massive implications throughout the food chain – if insects perish, we all could due to a lack of food if nothing gets pollinated.
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In a research paper published in the journal Biological Conservation, a group of researchers proposed that artificial lighting at night might be triggering what they term “the insect apocalypse”.
They stated: “Insects around the world are rapidly declining. Concerns over what this loss means for food security and ecological communities have compelled a growing number of researchers to search for the key drivers behind the declines. Habitat loss, pesticide use, invasive species, and climate change all have likely played a role, but we posit here that artificial light at night (ALAN) is another important – but often overlooked – bringer of the insect apocalypse.”
The authors noted: “A growing body of research demonstrates that ALAN can impact the fitness of plants and animals and more recent reviews have catalogued its broadscale effects on insects in particular. Some estimates suggest that one third of insects attracted to stationary artificial light sources die before morning, either through exhaustion or predation.”, reports the Express.
Gardeners are being urged not to use lights outdoors at night(Image: Getty)
The research paper concluded: “Some estimates predict that one million species, including up to 40% of insects, will go extinct within the next several decades. It is urgent therefore that we seek to identify the range of threats that insects face, and understand how to best address them.
“In light of the evidence presented above, we strongly believe that ALAN – in combination with habitat loss, chemical pollution, invasive species, and climate change – is driving insect declines.”
In response to the research, the Royal Horticultural Society is urging gardeners to reconsider the need for artificial lighting in their gardens.
It stated: “Since artificial light in gardens disrupts natural behavior for a range of wildlife it’s important to retain some dark areas and also question whether you really need lighting.
“The trend for lighting up gardens as an extension of our living space may seem an inviting one but needs to be done with great care. A garden can be just as magical a place enjoyed in moonlight or simply with the aid of a torch.”
The statement continued: “Turn garden lights off when not in use or use PIR motion sensors or timers for essential or security lighting so they only come on when absolutely necessary.
“Position lights as low as possible and aim them downwards or to where they’re needed. When angling lights make sure you think about how it impacts on your neighbors too (such as not glaring right into their windows) and always position them considerately.
“Choose low-intensity lighting and warmer hues (warm white, yellow or amber): solar lighting is cheap, safe and emits a dull glow suitable for garden use.
“Encourage local councils to adopt switch-off schemes for street lighting: even part-night lighting instead of full-night lighting has been found to reduce negative impact on the behavior of moths.”
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