Tarmac help astronomers achieve dark skies

Barnstone Cement Works replaces external sodium lights with re-angled LED lighting

LOCAL amateur astronomers are now able to observe the skies much more clearly, thanks to support from Tarmac’s Barnstone Cement Works.

Nottingham Astronomical Society, which owns and operates an observatory near Cotgrave, approached the company to help it establish the Vale of Belvoir as a ‘Dark Sky’ area – the only Dark Sky area in South Nottinghamshire.

Tarmac’s Barnstone Cement Works responded by replacing external sodium lighting with LED lighting and re-angling the lights to focus on the area needed on the ground.

The company invited Nottingham Astronomical Society to take a look at the work it had undertaken to enhance dark skies in the area and representatives of the society were also given a tour of the plant.

In addition, the lighting changes made by the cement works have improved the light quality on its grounds and work areas, and delivered significant energy and cost savings.

The lighting improvements also sit within Tarmac’s energy-reduction programme as part of meeting the Environmental standard ISO 50001.

Josie Morrissey, environmental co-ordinator at Barnstone Cement Works, said: ‘We are committed to enhancing the local environment, whether that is by land, water or sky, so we were only too happy to help by carrying out light adjustment to avoid sky glow.

‘We’d like to encourage other local businesses to consider their lighting use. For us, it’s part of being a responsible business and, equally importantly, a good neighbour.’

Roy Gretton, vice-president of the Nottingham Astronomical Society, said: ‘We have been working hard to create this unique Dark Sky area around Barnstone and the cement plant is one of many businesses we have approached for help.

‘It was fantastic that Barnstone Cement Works was able to help us; this has really made a difference for anyone who takes an interest in astronomy in this area.’