Wildlife experts are urging Britons to adopt a simple '9pm rule' for their outdoor Christmas lights to prevent causing significant harm and confusion to hundreds of creatures. While festive displays bring cheer, their bright glow can have serious unintended consequences for the natural world after dark.
The Hidden Impact of Festive Light Pollution
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has highlighted that artificial lighting, particularly from modern, bright LED displays, can severely disrupt a bird's internal clock. The lights can trick birds into believing dawn has arrived, prompting them to start singing and feeding in the middle of the night.
A spokesperson for the RHS stated that garden birds are disturbed from sleep by sudden lighting and can begin singing before dawn. They noted that robins are especially sensitive and will extend their feeding period into the night where artificial light is present. This nocturnal disruption isn't limited to songbirds; owls may find hunting more difficult in lit urban areas, and birds that start migration flights at night can become dangerously disoriented.
Energy Crisis for Small Birds and Wider Dangers
Richard Green, a bird welfare specialist from Kennedy Wild Bird Food and Pet Supplies, explains the critical energy toll on small birds. "Small birds, like wrens and robins, can lose up to 10% of their body weight in a single freezing night just by shivering to keep warm," he said. They need deep sleep during dark hours to conserve precious energy reserves. If festive lights keep them awake and singing, they burn through their fat stores too quickly and may not survive until real sunrise.
The problem extends beyond sleep deprivation. The dazzling lights can confuse all kinds of nocturnal flying animals, including bats and insects, increasing the risk of fatal crash landings. Scientific studies back these concerns; a 2016 study found light pollution profoundly affects migratory behaviour, causing birds to veer off course or collide with structures. A 2015 study also concluded that "light pollution disrupts sleep in free-living animals".
Simple Solutions: Timers and 'Dark Zones'
The solution, experts stress, is straightforward and doesn't mean cancelling Christmas. The key recommendation is to put outdoor festive displays on a timer. Richard Green suggests a switch-off time of around 9pm to give garden wildlife the dark, quiet period they need to survive the coldest part of the night.
For those who wish to keep some illumination, creating a refuge is advised. "Try to leave one area completely unlit, preferably where you have thick hedges or ivy," Green recommends. This 'Dark Zone' provides a sanctuary where birds and other creatures can roost without the glare of LEDs disturbing their essential rest. By taking these simple steps, households can enjoy their festive decorations while ensuring local wildlife isn't subjected to unnecessary confusion and stress during the critical winter season.
