Wildlife

Moth Welfare and the Impact of Light Pollution

Moth populations have declined by 40% since the 1970s and light pollution is increasingly recognised as a significant driver, disrupting navigation, mating, and predator avoidance.

Key Facts

UK moth populations fell by 40% since 1968 with larger declines in southern England
Light pollution disrupts moth navigation and attracts them to fatal collisions
Larvae of moths provide critical food for birds and bats
Over 2500 moth species recorded in the UK
Climate change is shifting species ranges and emergence timing

Welfare Considerations

Moths attracted to artificial light are disoriented, unable to feed or mate normally, and exposed to predators and exhaustion. Unnecessary outdoor lighting kills millions of moths annually. Dark sky areas and motion-sensitive lighting significantly reduce moth mortality.

What You Can Do

Use motion-sensitive or timer-controlled outdoor lighting
Choose warm-toned LEDs which are less attractive to moths than blue-white lights
Participate in moth recording surveys for Butterfly Conservation
Plant night-scented flowers to support moth populations
Support campaigns for dark sky areas and lighting pollution reduction