Polzeath LIght Brigade

The Polzeath Light Brigade (PLB) is a local community group in North Cornwall dedicated to combating light pollution and preserving the "pristine dark skies" of Pentire Point, Pentireglaze and the whole Polzeath area. 

• Mission: We advocate against Artificial Light at Night (ALAN), which we view as a pollutant that creates "reflected skyglow" and downgrades the natural environment particularly towards the National Trust Land at Pentire.

• Community Stance: Our motto compares our campaigns to the 1936 local movement that saved Pentire from development and gave it to the National Trust: "In 1936, they saved the land. In 2026, it is our turn to save the sky".

• Naming Inspiration: The name is a play on the historical "Charge of the Light Brigade" (1854). This connection is reinforced by local history; Captain Arthur Tremayne, a survivor of the original 1854 charge, was the son of a prominent local landowner. 

• Current Campaign: The group is actively campaigning to stop the installation of flashing marker buoys in Port Quin Bay, arguing that the lights would transform the "Pristine Dark Sky" into an "Industrial Seascape".

THE PLB believes in education more that any other action. 

Here is an example of a letter that might be sent to a local business.

Subject: Enhancing Polzeath’s Night Seascape – A Note from the Light Brigade

Dear [Business Name / Manager Name],

We are writing to you as part of the Polzeath Light Brigade (PLB), a local group dedicated to preserving the rare and beautiful dark skies of our coastline. As a valued part of the Polzeath business community, we know you share our pride in this unique landscape.

We’ve noticed that some of your current lighting is spilling quite significantly onto the beach and into the marine environment at night. We wanted to reach out because many businesses are unaware that their lighting—while essential for safety and branding—can accidentally create "glare" that affects local wildlife and washes out our view of the stars.

Why this matters in 2026:

Polzeath is currently fighting to maintain its status as a "Pristine Dark Sky" area against increasing industrial pressure. By reducing light spill on the beach, you are helping to:

• Protect Marine Life: Light spill into tide pools and the sea can disrupt the natural cycles of local marine species and cliff-nesting birds.

• Boost "Astro-Tourism": Visitors increasingly come to North Cornwall for its incredible stargazing. Darker beaches make Polzeath a premier destination for these winter-season tourists.

• Save Costs: Light that spills into the sky or onto the beach is "wasted light" that you are paying for.

Simple, Practical Steps You Can Take:

• Shield and Tilt: Ensure your external floodlights or security lights are tilted downwards and fitted with "full-cutoff" shields so no light escapes above the horizontal.

• The "Midnight Dim": Consider dimming or turning off non-essential decorative lighting after closing time (e.g., between midnight and 5:00 AM).

• Interior Light Spill: If your business has large windows facing the sea, using automated blackout blinds or simply closing curtains after dark can stop internal light from "flooding" the beach.

• Warm Tones: If you replace bulbs, please choose "Warm White" (under 3000K). These are far less intrusive than blue-rich white LEDs.

We would love to feature your business as a "Dark Sky Supporter" on our Polzeath Walks page. If you’d like us to take a look at your lighting setup or provide a official PLB badge for your window, please do get in touch.

Thank you for helping us keep Polzeath’s stars as bright as its sands.

Best regards,

The Polzeath Light Brigade