Portfolio
Our work
Moore's IDA Reserve
Regarded as one of the most complex and high quality applications, our principal consultant completed the South Downs National Park IDA Reserve Application. Over a number of years, we were responsible for developing all aspects of the application and authorting the final report. Since designation in 2016 and as the Dark Sky Officer we were integral to the continuing management of the reserve. Our notable highlights include;
- Sky Quality Monitoring - We developed an innovative method to gather large amounts of SQM data over large areas. We used this data to create a landscape scale map of sky quality to determine lighting zone boundaries.
- Lighting Audits - We conducted a road side survey of domestic and commerical lighting sources.
- Threat Analysis - We analysed the demographic trends and current lighting threats to create an effective Lighting Management Plan.
- Community engagement - We conducted a park wide PR and events campaign to encourage community participation and education,
Planning Policy and Technical Guidance
Our principal consultant was responsible for creating the dark skies policies for the South Downs Local Plan. We also developed and authored the subsequent Technical Advice Note on Dark Skies. This is a well-respected and thorough lighting design guidance for planners, developers and residents.
We added specific guidances on
- Glazing and Internal Spill
- Creative, Artistis and Lighting Events
- LED illuminance/power guide
Towards A Dark Sky Standard
Our principal consultant established and coordinates the UK Dark Sky Partnership - a loose partnership of protected landscapes, professional lighting institutions and other light pollution organisations including the All Party Parlimentary Group on Dark skies, who work togther to enhance the issue of light pollution in the UK.
We were responsible for developing and authoring the Towards a Dark Sky Standard. This is a general guidance document that provides an overview of relevant industry standards and other useful guidances to improve the provision of light pollution within development.
Outreach and Advocacy
Our principle consultant is a leading advocate on dark skies and light pollution. As an IDA-UK Director and Dark Skies Officer we have experience in delivering many talks, public events and astrophotography. Our work has included;
- South Downs Dark Sky Festival
- BBC - Sky at Night/Countryfile
- International lighting events and conferences
- Astronomy festivals
- Academic conferences and workshops
