What to know before installing timber post lighting? Guidelines for bat-friendly products

Did you know that improper outdoor lighting can disrupt wildlife habitats and even violate planning regulations in the UK? Timber lighting bollards, with their natural aesthetic and functional design, are gaining popularity in outdoor spaces like parks, trails, and residential developments. These bollards enhance the ambience of these areas and offer eco-friendly solutions that align with modern sustainability goals.

In this guide, we’ll explore key considerations like lighting zones, bat-friendly lighting practices, and material choices to help you make informed decisions. Whether you’re a landscape architect, contractor, or council planner, understanding these factors can ensure compliance with regulations while creating outdoor spaces that are functional and environmentally sensitive. Let’s dive into the details to see how thoughtful lighting design can benefit your projects.

Understanding lighting zones

Lighting zones, designated as E0 to E4, are areas with specific environmental lighting restrictions aimed at minimising light pollution and protecting natural habitats. In the UK, local councils often refer to these guidelines or establish their own lighting regulations to preserve the nocturnal environment and protect sensitive species like bats.

For better control of exterior lighting, it is recommended that Local Planning Authorities specify the following environmental zones within their Development Plans:

E0: Protected dark zones

These areas are known for their pristine, dark skies, such as astronomical observatories, UNESCO starlight reserves, and the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) recognised dark sky places. With minimal to no artificial lighting, they preserve natural darkness for ecological and scientific purposes. Examples include remote national parks and protected conservation zones.

E1: Natural zones

These zones cover relatively uninhabited rural areas like national parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. They may also serve as buffer zones for dark sky places designated by the IDA. Limited artificial lighting is permitted here to maintain a near-natural environment.

E2: Rural zones

Sparsely populated areas such as villages and the outskirts of suburban locations fall under this category. They have low levels of artificial brightness, balancing the need for path lighting with a commitment to preserving rural character.

E3: Suburban zones

These medium-brightness areas include well-inhabited suburban settlements and smaller town centres. They typically feature moderate artificial lighting levels to support community activities while mitigating excessive light pollution.

E4: Urban zones

Representing the highest levels of district brightness, these zones include busy towns and city centres with vibrant nightlife and high levels of artificial lighting. The focus here is on providing ample illumination for safety and activity while managing light spillage effectively.

In rural (E2) and protected (E1) zones, where preserving natural darkness and ecological habitats is paramount, lighting solutions must be carefully considered. Wooden bollard lights emerge as an ideal option for these sensitive areas. Their natural, organic aesthetic seamlessly blends into the surroundings, minimising visual disruption. Also, many timber outdoor light bollards offer bat-friendly design features, such as downward-facing optics that reduce upward light spillage and warm colour temperature options that are less disruptive to nocturnal wildlife.

Made by Landmark’s timber bollards exemplify how thoughtful design can meet the unique requirements of rural and protected zones. Crafted from sustainably sourced timber, these bollards seamlessly blend into natural landscapes, making them an excellent choice for E1 and E2 zones where maintaining ecological integrity is critical.

The importance of bat-friendly lighting

Wildlife-sensitive lighting is essential in areas where bats are present, as artificial lighting at night (ALAN) can disrupt their natural behaviours and habitats. Bats rely on darkness for navigation, foraging, and roosting, and poorly designed outdoor lighting can interfere with these activities.

Artificial lighting impacts bats in several ways. Bright lights can disorient them, affecting their ability to navigate and locate food. For instance, many night-flying insects that bats hunt are drawn to lights emitting ultraviolet (UV) components or high blue spectral content. Although modern LEDs have largely eliminated UV emissions, light sources with higher blue wavelengths still attract insects, creating a ‘vacuum effect’ where insects concentrate around the light, leaving surrounding areas devoid of prey. This localised imbalance disrupts the bats’ foraging patterns and reduces the availability of food across broader areas.

The effects of lighting extend beyond hunting. Studies have shown that artificial white light near drinking resources, like cattle troughs, can deter slower-flying bat species from drinking altogether, while even faster-flying bats exhibit reduced drinking behaviour. These disruptions highlight the need for lighting solutions that consider the ecological balance of bat habitats.

For more detailed guidance on creating bat-friendly lighting environments, the Institute of Lighting Professionals’ Guidance Note 8: Bats and Artificial Lighting offers invaluable insights. This resource provides practical recommendations for minimising the ecological impact of outdoor lighting while supporting bat conservation efforts.

What is bat-friendly lighting?

Bat-friendly lighting refers to the use of lighting fixtures and practices that minimise the impact on bats and their natural habitats. This approach involves carefully considering the light source, intensity, colour temperature, and distribution to create an environment that supports the needs of bat populations.

Key features of bat-friendly lighting include:

• Using warm colour temperatures (≤3000K) that emit minimal blue light, which is less disruptive to bats’ natural behaviour.
• Employing shielded or downward-facing fixtures that prevent upward light spillage and preserve dark skies essential for bat navigation and foraging.
• Limiting the overall brightness and intensity of lighting to reduce the “vacuum effect” that concentrates insects around lights, disrupting the bats’ food sources.
• Implementing intelligent lighting controls, such as motion sensors and timers, to minimise unnecessary illumination and energy consumption.

In Britain, bats and their roosts are protected by domestic and European laws. Regulation 43 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 makes it illegal to disturb bats or damage their roosts, even if unoccupied. Section 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 also prohibits disturbing or blocking access to their shelters.

Lighting bollards with warm LEDs and directional shielding, such as those by Made by Landmark, are thoughtfully designed to meet bat-friendly criteria. In addition to warm light temperatures (≤3000K), they can also be fitted with 593nm amber lighting, which is less disruptive to bats as they are less sensitive to wavelengths above 550nm. These carefully considered features minimise disturbance to bats’ navigation and foraging behaviours, making timber lighting bollards an ideal choice for ecologically sensitive outdoor spaces, seamlessly balancing functionality with wildlife preservation.

Bollard lighting vs. post lighting

Bollard lighting and post lighting are two distinct types of outdoor lighting fixtures that serve different purposes and are suitable for various environments.

Bollard Lighting: Bollard lights are low-profile, ground-focused lighting fixtures that are typically installed along pathways, walkways, and trails. They are designed to provide subtle, directional illumination at a lower height, creating a warm and inviting ambience while minimising light pollution. Bollard lights are particularly well-suited for the following environments:

• Residential areas
• Parks and nature trails
• Commercial and institutional settings

Post Lighting: Post lights, on the other hand, are taller lighting fixtures that are typically mounted on posts or poles, providing broader and more extensive illumination. They are often used for the following applications:

• Street lighting
• Outdoor spaces
• Commercial and industrial settings

Here’s a comparative table highlighting the differences between bollard lighting and post-lighting based on the specified factors:

Our timber lighting bollards here at Made by Landmark combine sustainability with a natural aesthetic, making them an excellent choice for bat-friendly lighting in rural and protected areas. Their warm lighting and thoughtful design enhance outdoor spaces while respecting ecological balance.

Metal vs. timber lighting bollards

Timber and metal are often the two primary materials used for bollard lighting fixtures. While both offer their unique advantages, the choice between the two depends on several factors, including aesthetics, durability, and environmental impact.

Timber bollards:

• Natural and rustic appearance, blending seamlessly with outdoor environments
• Sustainable and eco-friendly, made from renewable resources
• Warm and inviting ambience, complementing the natural surroundings
• Require regular maintenance and may be susceptible to weathering over time
• Ideal for parks, nature trails, and residential areas with a natural aesthetic

Metal bollards:

• Contemporary and sleek design, suitable for modern or urban settings
• Highly durable and long-lasting, resistant to weather conditions
• Variety of finishes available, including powder-coated and stainless steel
• May have a more industrial or commercial look, depending on the design
• Suitable for high-traffic areas, commercial spaces, and urban environments

Comparative table

As a trusted bollard supplier, we are committed to sustainability and ecological preservation, which is reflected in our range of timber lighting solutions. Crafted from responsibly sourced timber, our products provide warm and inviting illumination and contribute to a reduced environmental footprint.

Conclusion

When designing outdoor lighting, it’s essential to balance functionality with environmental sensitivity. Considerations like lighting zones, adherence to wildlife regulations, and the choice of materials play a significant role in creating spaces that are both practical and ecologically responsible. Timber bollards stand out as a sustainable option that supports these goals, blending seamlessly into natural settings while meeting wildlife-sensitive criteria.

We are in charge of how our outdoor spaces impact the environment. Explore Made by Landmark’s range of timber lighting bollards to see how thoughtful design can align with sustainability and compliance. Also, don’t forget to sign up to our newsletter to get the latest insights about public space enhancements. View our products here.