Many moths need darkness to thrive, but each year, the night sky gets lighter.

Find out how you can dim the dangers of light pollution for our moths by creating a Moon Meadow.

What is a Moon Meadow?

A Moon Meadow is a green space or planted area such as a pot which is filled with plants which benefit our night-time pollinators like moths, with an additional secret ingredient – the moon! 

Why are Moon Meadows needed?

Our research showed that moth caterpillar numbers under LED street lights were 52% lower in hedgerows and 43% lower on grass verges compared to those which were unlit.
Sky glow

What is light pollution? Watch a talk by Dr Avalon Owens.

Light pollution is the excessive use of outdoor Artificial Light At Night – often referred to as ALAN. It includes direct lighting from artificial light sources and the resulting skyglow. Light pollution is not just bad for stargazers, it’s harmful to our health and that of our wildlife, including insects, mammals and the ecosystems they are a part of.

Bat Hunting a moth

How does light pollution impact moths?

Most of the UK’s moth species are nocturnal and fly at night. Some moths are naturally drawn to sources of light, but artificial lights can disorient them. They may spend a lot of time travelling to artificial lights or circling them, leaving them too exhausted to find food or to breed.

Moths drawn to artificial lights are also more vulnerable to predation. It’s also not just the adult moths which are affected. Some moth caterpillars are attracted to artificial light, which could take them away from food sources, leave them more vulnerable to predators and impact their development.

Jersey Tiger moth

Why are moths important?

Moths are amazing! There are around 2,500 species of moth in the UK, and they come in all shapes, sizes, and colours. Not only are they important in their own right, but moths are also incredible pollinators and a vital part of the food web – without moths, many other species could decline. #MothsMatter

Further guidance on helping moths at home, work and in your community

Under a polluted sky - Tim van Zundert

Learn more about light pollution

With light pollution increasing each year, moths and other nocturnal insects are increasingly under threat. PhD student Madeleine delves into the dangers of light pollution for moths.

Purple thorn

Provide the right habitat at home

A Moon Meadow is a green space or planted area filled with plants which benefit our nighttime pollinators like moths, with an additional secret ingredient – the moon! Here’s how you can create one in your outdoor space at home. 

Elephant Hawk-moth (Dave Wright)

Team up for moths at work

Could your team be moth conservationists?


Other ways to support moths

Moths by month calendar preview

Get your free Moth Spotting Pack today!

We’ve created a Moth Spotting Pack for you to download so you can see which marvellous moths you might spot throughout the year. You can also print it at home to tick off the ones you see!

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Angle shades moth in torchlight

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Moths Matter clothing

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Join us on social media and share what you’re doing at home and in your community to reduce light pollution and help save moths!

#MoonMeadows

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