Southwark is the second worst borough in London for stargazing and the eighth-worst in the country, according to recent research.
Kensington and Chelsea was deemed the best London borough for astrology, while Croydon is the worst, according to The Paint Shed’s study.
The independent paint retailer compared different areas’ air pollution, light pollution and rainfall, all factors that can hinder views of the night sky.
Although Southwark Council aims to make the borough carbon neutral by 2030, it is currently being let down by its high air and light pollution.
In March, the News reported that some air quality monitoring stations were recording nitrogen dioxide levels of 51 µg/m3, more than five times the level the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) guidelines.
Every Southwark air quality monitor breaks World Health Organisation safety levels
High traffic, industrial activities such as the nearby SELCHP waste incinerator and the high density of people using energy in the borough are all key causes of air pollution.
Light pollution is also an inevitable by-product of living in a central London borough. This year Southwark council announced they were replacing 17,129 street lights with LED lighting.
The council says this will reduce light pollution and carbon dioxide emissions while helping to improve street safety and improve visibility for pedestrians and traffic.
Peckham Rye Station is being restored to its former Victorian glory
Paint Shed’s study used statistics from the Office of National Statistics, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Light Pollution Map and the Met Office.
The full rankings are listed here and on their website at: https://www.thepaintshed.com/inspiration/stargazing-gardens
1 – Kensington and Chelsea
2 – Bexley
3 – Havering
4 – Hammersmith and Fulham
5 – Lewisham
6 – Richmond upon Thames
7 – Redbridge
8 – Barking and Dagenham
9 – Greenwich
10 – Kingston upon Thames
11 – Merton
12 – Lambeth
13 – Hounslow
14 – Ealing
15 – Hillingdon
16 – Tower Hamlets
17 – City of London
18 – Wandsworth
19 – Brent
20 – Newham
21 – Harrow
22 – Enfield
23 – Barnet
24 – Haringey
25 – Waltham Forest
26 – Sutton
27 – Westminster
28 – Bromley
29 – Islington
30 – Camden
31 – Hackney
32 – Southwark
33 – Croydon