New lights at Kingston University, Knights Park campus.
White lights reflected on the water Reflection looking north-east 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, which is 'warmer' on the colour spectrum, and will be less attractive to ...