Anglesey’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty boasts some of the best dark skies in the world and they will soon benefit from a brand new grant scheme.

The County Council’s Countryside and AONB team has secured £50,000 from Welsh Government to help realise its commitment to reducing light pollution levels around the Island.

The Dark Sky Grant Scheme (Isle of Anglesey) is the first grant scheme of its kind in Wales, thanks to Welsh Government funding.

This exciting grant scheme is now accepting applications for funding to replace poor lighting with high quality, dark sky friendly lighting at residential properties, businesses and on farms.

Anglesey’s Major Projects and Economic Development portfolio holder, Cllr Carwyn Jones, said: “The County Council is committed to reducing light pollution levels within the AONB and around the island. "We are delighted that Anglesey is the first county in Wales to administer and make use of this grant scheme, thanks to support from the Welsh Government. I would encourage those who want to help us tackle light pollution to apply for one of these grants as soon as possible.”

Countryside and AONB Officer, Alun M Owen, added: “Residents and businesses will be able to apply for grants to retrofit their lights. These lights will be replaced by the best standard of light fixture and fitting to ensure they are ‘Dark Sky Friendly’ and fit for purpose. ‘Dark Sky Friendly’ doesn’t mean no lights, it simply means we’ll be ensuring the right amount of light, at the right time and in the right place.”

The Dark Skies Partnership (Prosiect Nos) was established in 2019. It has brought the Anglesey, Pen Llŷn, Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONBs and Snowdonia National Park together to secure Dark Sky status for their respective AONBs and to promote the Dark Sky Reserve of Snowdonia.

On average, 95 per cent of the five AONBs and three National Parks in Wales fall within the darkest two categories; with Anglesey AONB having over 60 per cent of its skies in the darkest category meaning our dark sky areas are among the world’s best.

This is great news for future dark sky designations and protections that will ensure our dark skies are enjoyed for generations to come.

Snowdonia National Park Authority's Dark Sky Officer, Dani Robertson, added:“Light pollution is one of the most misunderstood pollutants around; and we have only recently started to understand the damage it can do to the environment.”

“Light pollution can impact wildlife by destroying valuable habitats – 60% of which needs natural darkness to survive. Research and emerging studies are showing that light pollution is also damaging to health and well-being leading to issues such as insomnia, high blood pressure and even hormonal illnesses such as diabetes.”

“This exciting grant scheme will further improve the dark skies of Anglesey for our residents, visitors and protect precious wildlife habitat.”

Natural Resources Wales and LUC (Land Use Consultants) have recently been working together to help us better understand light pollution in Wales.

Together, they have created a dark skies map https://naturalresources.wales/about-us/news-and-events/news/new-map-casts-light-on-wales-dark-skies/?lang=en showing light pollution across the country; identifying localised light pollution much more clearly, so that it can be targeted with more precision. This also gives a much clearer picture on what light pollution levels are like across the whole of the country.

The Isle of Anglesey County Council recently celebrated International Dark Sky Week (April 5-12) with Prosiect Nos organising a wide range of fascinating online events throughout the week.

For more information about the grant scheme visit: www.anglesey.gov.uk/dark-skies-grant-scheme or contact the Dark Skies Officer dani.robertson@eryri.llyw.cymru You can also follow Prosiect Nos on social media.