Like in all densely populated areas, nocturnal illumination is gradually increasing in the Netherlands - at the moment, only in a few areas the stars are still visible at night.

To date there's however very little information on the impact of artificial, nocturnal light on our flora and fauna. For example, we know bats make use of moths that are attracted to streetlights. But, as a result of this, do other species of bat have less food? And how about animals that keep track of the length of day in order to accurately time yearly activities, such as great tits which need to breed exactly at the right time? If artificial light prevents them keeping track of day length, these birds will start breeding too late or too early to utilize the peak in caterpillars in spring.

In order to gain more knowledge about the impact of artificial light in the Netherlands, the project 'Impact of artificial light on flora and fauna in The Netherlands' has been started. The project is funded by the Technologiestichting STW, and is scientifically led by the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) and the Wageningen University and Researchcenter (WUR). The industry is represented by Philips and the Dutch Oil Company (Nederlandse Aardolie Maatschappij, NAM). The monitoring of animal and plant species at the research sites is done by NGO's: the butterfly foundation (Vlinderstichting), birding society (SOVON), mammal society (Zoogdiervereniging), plant society (FLORON), amphibian, fish, and reptile society (RAVON) and the Dutch Centre for Avian Migration and Demography (Vogeltreksation). Research sites are located on property of the Military, Natuurmonumenten and National Forestry (Staatsbosbeheer).

The knowledge collected in this project will contribute to effective application of nature friendly lighting, and the avoidance of nocturnal lighting in case sensitive species are present.