23 March 2023
Islanders and businesses are being asked to join millions of people around the world in switching
off their lights and giving an hour back to Earth on Saturday 25 March between 8.30pm and
9.30pm.
Lights will be switched off in non-essential Government buildings including landmarks such as Fort
Regent. Additionally, the eco active team are inviting Islanders to join a bats and star gazing
session for free at the Sir Patrick Moore Astronomy Centre in Les Creux Country Park, St Brelade, between 8.30pm and 9.30pm on Saturday 25 March.
The session will be hosted by Senior Environment Officer, Liz Walsh, and Neil Mahrer from Jersey
Astronomy Club. Islanders will have the opportunity to use the observatory, use bat detectors
kindly donated by Jersey Bat Group, and learn about the importance of dark skies.
Islanders are welcome to bring their bikes and join a social ride to Les Creux, starting at West Park, St Helier, near Le Frégate,at 7.15pm. This is not a guided ride so participants are responsible for
their own safety and children must be supervised by an adult.
No registration is required for the social bike ride or the bats and star gazing session.
Those who are unable to join the social ride but would still like to attend the session at Les Creux
are welcome to make their own way there, but are encouraged to travel using sustainable transport
such as walking, cycling, or the bus.
Cyclists are encouraged to use the opportunity to log their rides on Love to Ride. Users have until
31 March to log a ride to be in for a chance of winning the top local prize of a new e-bike.
Event schedule overview:
- 7.15pm – Meet at West Park, St Helier for the social bike ride to Les Creux
- 8.30 to 9.30pm – Bats and dark skies session at Les Creux Observatory during Earth Hour
Liz Walsh, Senior Environment Officer in Biodiversity, said: “Increases in light pollution over the last
few decades has contributed to huge declines in insect numbers which has a knock-on effect on
the bats and birds who feed on them.
“Earth Hour is a great way to stop and think about our impact on the world. By turning off our
lights more often, we save energy and reduce the impact of artificial lighting at night.”
Neil Mahrer, Jersey Astronomy Club, said: “Dark skies are important, not just for nature but for
people. We all enjoy the sense of perspective we get from the grandeur and beauty of the night
sky with its Milky Way, planets, and stars. Many of these views are under threat from artificial
lighting, but with care and simple choices, we can preserve the night sky for future generations.”
For more information about Earth Hour, visit: Join One Of The World's Largest Movements for Nature | Earth Hour 2023.
gov.je