Experiencing Darkness and Silence During Night of the Night

Deputy Hagar Roijackers visited Landgoed De Utrecht for a darkness and silence walk.

During the Night of the Night, Deputy Hagar Roijackers visited Landgoed De Utrecht in the Brabant Kempen. The Brabant Environmental Federation organized a darkness and silence walk on the estate. Along the way, it became clear why darkness and silence are so important for people and nature.

Importance of Darkness and Silence

Landgoed De Utrecht is one of the 31 quiet areas in Brabant. These areas are protected against excessive noise. This is essential for the well-being of both people and animals. When noise is too loud or affects us for a long time, it impacts our health. Therefore, no developments that cause (a lot of) noise are allowed in quiet areas.

Besides silence, darkness is also important. For many years, our province has been getting lighter in the evening and night. This leads to damage to the living environment of people and animals and can cause health problems. If nothing is done, light pollution will spread further and there is a high risk that the last areas with natural darkness will disappear. On the initiative of Nature and Environmental Federations, events are organized throughout the country every year during the Night of the Night to raise awareness of the importance of darkness and the consequences of light pollution.

Dark where possible, light where necessary

In the coming years, the province, together with partners in North Brabant, will take action to limit or prevent the negative effects of artificial light. This is laid down in the Light Pollution Action Plan (refers to another website). With the motto dark where possible, light where necessary. The province encourages municipalities and other parties to pay attention to light pollution and to take measures where possible. Currently, zoning maps per municipality are being developed. Municipalities can use these maps to develop policies on light nuisance and light pollution.

Second knowledge session on light pollution

The draft zoning maps will be presented on Tuesday, January 20, during the second knowledge session on light pollution. This session is for employees in environment, sustainability, (public) lighting, and nature, who are working on the theme of light pollution or want to learn more about it. Would you like to join?