Nestled in the heart of the North York Moors National Park, Bentrigg Farm is a working farm with a holiday cottage and campsite that welcomes guests keen to enjoy the peace of the moors and the beauty of the night sky.
When farmer Anthony Smith realised that his existing outdoor lighting was causing excessive glare and light pollution, he reached out to the North York Moors National Park Authority to find a more sustainable solution.
The farm’s previous lighting included several large floodlights that illuminated wide areas with harsh, upward-facing light. Working closely with the National Park’s team, Anthony undertook a full lighting audit, reviewing where light was needed for safety and where it could be reduced to protect the dark skies.
The team installed four new farmyard lights, two track lights, and subtle fittings for the farmhouse and campsite, all designed to cast light downwards and only where it’s needed. For lambing season, motion sensors and timers were added to provide temporary lighting that can be switched off outside of key times.
Instead of two powerful floodlights at the top of the track, two carefully positioned, wide-spread lights now illuminate the route safely, without spilling unnecessary light into the landscape. The result is a farmyard that’s safer, more efficient, and dramatically darker when lights aren’t required.
Bentrigg Farm is visible from nearby public rights of way, and Anthony was particularly mindful of walkers who enjoy the night-time views of the moors. By updating his lighting, he’s reduced glare across the landscape while improving visibility where it matters most.
Following the installation, the National Park team carried out a demonstration phase, ensuring the new lighting met Anthony’s needs while still being dark skies friendly. Adjustments were made collaboratively, ensuring the perfect balance between practicality and protection.
Supporting dark skies and nature:
“We’ve worked with lots of farm owners of varying sizes to look at how we can reduce light pollution while ensuring they have the light they need to do their jobs safely,” says Mike Hawtin, Head of Nature and Conservation at the North York Moors National Park.
“We have numerous grants available for lighting improvements, and in every case, the farmers and business owners we’ve supported have been impressed with the process and the quality of the new lighting. One of the most important aspects is ensuring that lighting is nature-friendly, and every farmer we’ve worked with has wanted to play their part in supporting local wildlife and protecting the night sky.”
Through collaboration and innovation, Bentrigg Farm now serves as a shining example of how farms and businesses can adopt dark skies-friendly lighting that supports both people and nature.
The project has not only reduced light pollution but also reinforced the farm’s commitment to caring for its guests, its livestock, and the wider environment, proving that small changes can make a big difference under the stars.