Dark Canopy Park

"It is not the night that we fear, but a silent night, free of nature" 

-Tina O’Connell, Associate Professor in Art, University of Reading & Neal White, Professor of Art/Science, University of Westminster.

Many of our park's residents such as bats, mice, toads and frogs are active at night. Artificial lighting disturbs the way animals and plants perceive day and night time, not only disrupting natural behaviours but it also interferes with navigation for nocturnal species, particularly bats and insects.

Artificial lighting is known to be a significant contributor to biodiversity loss and gradual decline of insect and bird populations worldwide. Research led by UKCEH has also found that so-called ‘eco-friendly’ LED streetlights can actually harm insect populations more than older sodium lights."

Wandsworth Park provides a much needed habitat corridor for nature, particularly the avenue of mature trees that offers vital shelter and habitat for wildlife to move and thrive within the park and beyond.