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