Upfront
Light fantastic
NEW interactive maps of England’ s light pollution and dark skies, released by the Campaign to Protect Rural England( CPRE), show that Hampshire is ranked the 23rd darkest out of 41 counties. The‘ Night Blight’ maps, produced using satellite images captured at 1.30am throughout September 2015, offer the most detailed ever picture of the country’ s light pollution and dark skies.
At a district level, East Hampshire, Winchester District and the Test Valley enjoy the darkest skies in the county, and are in the top 20 % of England’ s darkest districts. Whilst some of the most light-polluted areas in Hampshire include Portsmouth, Southampton and Rushmoor. Nicola Revolta, a CPRE Hampshire spokesperson, said:“ What immediately strikes you from the map of Hampshire is the concentrated light pollution across South Hampshire.
“ CPRE Hampshire is campaigning for a Green Belt for South Hampshire. A Green Belt would assist with urban regeneration and prevent unnecessary sprawling of large built-up areas into unspoilt countryside, resulting in more light pollution and wasting energy and money.”
CPRE’ s research comes at a time of increasing awareness of the harmful effects light pollution can have on the health of people and wildlife. That these skies were monitored at 1.30am illustrates just how long into the night England’ s lighting spills.
Parts of East Hampshire and Winchester District are in the South Downs National Park, and part of Test Valley is in the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty( AONB). National Parks and AONBs are the guardians of 53 % of England’ s darkest skies.
View the maps at nightblight. cpre. org. uk
Showcasing skills
THE annual Countryside Day, held earlier this year at Sparsholt College, aims to inspire visitors to try something new and different. Principal Tim Jackson said:“ Countryside Day is our showcase event. The facilities here are first class. It’ s wonderful to see lecturers and students showcase skills learned here, allowing adults and children try something new. The countryside offers huge opportunities, career and leisure wise.”
A number of horticulture courses are offered at Sparsholt College, from Apprenticeship through to the recently launched FdSc Horticulture with Plantmanship and Design. A leisure programme also provides ample opportunity for those looking to try their hand at a new skill or develop a long-held interest.
Boost for Winches
FLOOD defences in Winchester will be strengthened thanks to a £ 895,000 joint project by Hampshire County Council and partner organisations.
At his Policy and Resources’ Decision Day, county council leader Roy Perry approved the start of the tendering process for the joint scheme which is funded by Hampshire County Council(£ 250,000), Winchester City Council(£ 290,000), Southampton University(£ 60,000) and the Environment Agency(£ 295,000).
He said:“ This is a good example of a joined-up approach by partners to help protect Winchester residents. This scheme will provide much needed relief and peace of mind in the St Bede’ s and
4 Resident www. residentmagazine. co. uk