Light protection for bats: Fascinating castle night in Dresden!

Light protection for bats: Fascinating castle night in Dresden!

There's a lot of discussion going on in Radebeul these days because the annual Castle Night is just around the corner. And the focus is not just on the festivities, but also on protecting our little flying friends – the bats. The event, which will take place on July 19, 2025, is committed to taking responsibility for nature and the environment seriously. An adapted lighting concept ensures that the endangered lesser horseshoe bat, which makes its home in the Roman Baths, remains protected. MDR reports, that the technical director Peter Acs will use two projectors that will specifically highlight the front of the Roman Baths, while the rest remains in the dark.

The desire to design the lighting conditions accordingly is no coincidence. Light pollution is a major problem for bats, which are nocturnal and dependent on their surroundings. Their echo signal only reaches about five meters, which means they have to orient themselves to avoid accidents with cars. Bat protection Saxony highlights that the lesser horseshoe bat typically flies close to the ground, making it particularly vulnerable. The speed limit of 30 km/h at the Waldschlösschen Bridge is an example of preventative measures, which are supported not least by experts like Wolfgang Hahn from pro bios, to make it easier for these animals to avoid them.

Light protection for night active people

The challenges of light pollution not only affect the events in Radebeul, but are a broad topic in biological research and nature conservation. Many people are not aware of how much bright light affects nighttime wildlife. The German bat observatory provides comprehensive insight into the effects of artificial light and explains that the most sensitive species such as Myotis, Plecotus and Rhinolophus species can be severely affected by lighting. It is crucial to take appropriate measures to reduce negative effects. These include, for example, shading or the creation of dark corridors.

In Radebeul, the city administration has been strongly committed to these issues. The good agreement between the artistic director Sylvia Grodd and the authorities shows that environmental and event protection can go hand in hand. The protection of bats has always been part of the Schlössernacht and is supported by municipal regulations. The event is expecting up to 6,000 visitors this year, a regulation that has been in place for 15 years.

A look at the bat population

It is also interesting to look back at the populations of the lesser horseshoe bat in Saxony. This species was threatened with extinction for a long time due to the use of DDT in agriculture. But thanks to targeted protective measures, there is a slight recovery in the population, which can be found primarily in the southern valleys of the Elbe tributaries. Their summer quarters are often in attics, while in winter they seek refuge in tunnels or mines.

The Castle Night thus highlights an important topic: How can we celebrate our festivals and respect nature at the same time? With the adapted lighting concept, the organizer is making a valuable contribution to bat protection and shows that environmental protection and the joy of celebrating go together. Maybe this is the perfect balance that other events should adopt too!