New lights at Kingston University, Knights Park campus.

Reflection looking north-east

 

 

 

 

White lights reflected on the water

 

 

 

The Hogsmill river at Kingston University's Knights Park campus, is an important site for bats. We have undertaken several bat walks in the past and this year (not for the first time) bats been seen flying  in the daytime, during the rising spring temperatures. However light spillage onto the water has always been of concern. The bright, white lights, have covered much of the water surface in front of the cafe/bar area. This has an effect on many species including plants and insects. Hundreds of insects stuck to the wall of the building attest to a light attraction or the 'vacuum' effect of  the light as it 'sucks' the insects  out of the surrounding habitat. 

Spillage onto the river of the  old lighting system

After the  new lights were installed

 

 

The university has installed modern new lighting that is warmer on the colour spectrum and therefore less attractive to insects. The lights are also more directional, resulting in less light spill onto the water. Although they are brighter where illumination is needed, they are used only when required, as they operate on passive infra-red sensors and switch off automatically when not activated.

The photographs illustrate the effect on the water: rather than the river appearing “white” in the first image, the river corridor remains dark. This darkness is essential for bats, which rely on unlit corridors to forage for food.