DARC Matters – 5 – Night Lights

One referred to the lighting there being “three times as bright” as it has been up until relatively recently. They added that the picture above, taken a few nights ago, does not fully convey just how bright the lighting has become.

Asked what the reasons for an increase in lighting might be, what activities currently go on at the site, whether these have increased, and whether they relate to preparatory work for DARC, a Ministry of Defence spokesperson would only say: “UK Space Command does not currently occupy the site at Brawdy and no DARC preparatory work is currently underway.”

One reader, a local resident familiar with issues of concern raised by the Coast National Park about the impact of DARC on wildlife, suggested: “They might be doing a Manx Shearwater luminosity test as part of the enviornmental impact assessment [EIA].”

The National Park’s comments to Pembrokeshire County Council on the prospect of a space radar station included: “Impacts of Manx Shearwater potentially being attracted to the lighting on the site should also be considered and discussed with the Wildlife Trust and RSPB.”

It also pointed out: “Lighting on site should be kept to a minimum and a full lighting scheme to include… a demonstration of the extent of lighting and its impact on the surrounding landscape must also be submitted. The lighting scheme must consider the results of any bat surveys and light spill on roosts, and commuting and foraging areas must be avoided.”

Another reader who contacted Pembrokeshire.Online raised the question of light pollution and the impact that increased illumination would have on the dark skies enjoyed in this area of the county.

Meanwhile, if there has been an increase in lighting at the site, the reason remains unexplained.