Lighting - Ecology Lighting Strategies

At M-EC, we have years of experience producing lighting designs and strategies that consider light-sensitive species such as bats and badgers. Whilst providing cost-effective, sustainable solutions for our clients, we use the latest technical advances, working together with ecologists and architects to balance lighting an area to avoid adversely impacting surrounding species.

Lighting has been found to have a negative impact on some species, including bats, dormice, and badgers to name a few. Some of these species are European Protected Species which, if disturbed, can cause a massive issue to any produce or existing project. 

Lighting can impact bats, particularly in several ways, including: 

• Roosting - Bats can desert or become entombed in their roost via artificial light. At most, their emergence will be delayed reducing foraging time. 
• Foraging - Insects can be drawn away from neighbouring sites leading to a vacuum effect, and some slow-flying bats will not fly near any artificial lighting   
• Drinking - The effect of light on drinking resources can be stronger than on foraging. 
• Commuting - Continuous lighting can create barriers which species cannot cross   

All of our assessments will be complainant with the Institute of Lighting Professionals and the Bat Conservation Trust Guidance.