Case Study | Solar ground lighting supports Todmorden active travel route

Solar ground lighting supports Todmorden active travel route with minimal environmental impact

The challenge

The project involved upgrading a key active travel footway and cycleway in Todmorden, providing an off-road link into the town centre. Over time, the route had become degraded, with poor drainage, muddy conditions and uneven surfaces making it difficult and unsafe to use, particularly in winter. This reduced walking and cycling levels and pushed users onto a busy main road.

A key requirement was to improve safety, usability and wayfinding after dark. However, the route runs through a sensitive green corridor with established trees, making traditional mains powered lighting unsuitable due to the potential damage to tree roots that could be caused during installation of electrical cabling. Any approach therefore needed to work within a “no dig” construction method to minimise disturbance.

The scheme required a durable, low maintenance solution that met accessibility and environmental requirements while delivering value for money under Town Deal funding – a UK Government programme supporting local regeneration. It also needed to improve night time visibility without significant energy costs or visual intrusion.

Alternative approaches, including traditional column lighting, were considered but ruled out due to higher costs, ongoing energy use and greater environmental impact. The project therefore required an innovative solution aligned with both sustainability goals and the sensitive nature of the site.

The solution

Solareye80 Bat Hat ground lights were selected as the lighting solution due to their low impact, self sufficient design. As solar powered units, they removed the need for trenching, cabling or grid connection, making them ideal for a “no dig” construction approach in an environmentally sensitive setting.

The system provided subtle, low-level wayfinding illumination to improve visibility along the route without the glare or light spill associated with conventional lighting. A key factor in the decision was the integrated “Bat Hat” feature, which significantly reduces upwards light spill minimising ecological impact – particularly important in a wildlife sensitive corridor.

Following on site trials, the solution was confirmed for installation. A total of 64 Solareye80 Bat Hats were installed at regular intervals along the main route, with additional units used to connect key off-route destinations such as a playground, ball court and footbridge. Installation was straightforward and aligned with the wider construction methodology, ensuring minimal environmental disturbance.

The results

The completed scheme has significantly improved night time safety, visibility and user confidence along the route. The lighting provides clear, subtle wayfinding that enhances accessibility without compromising the natural character of the environment.

Installation was efficient and low impact, avoiding the disruption associated with conventional lighting systems. The solar powered approach has also eliminated ongoing energy costs and reduced maintenance requirements.

Early user feedback has been positive, particularly regarding the improved sense of safety and the discreet, non-intrusive nature of the lighting. The route is now better connected, more accessible year-round, and more attractive for walking and cycling.

Overall, the project demonstrates how solar wayfinding ground lighting can deliver a sustainable, economic solution for active travel routes in environmentally sensitive locations.

Want to find out more?

If you have an area that requires night time delineation, installation of Solareye80 ground lights is:

• Quick and cost effective with minimal disruption
• Easy to maintain
• Suitable for areas off the national grid
• CE accredited, IP68 and IK10 certified
• Environmentally friendly

To download this case study as a PDF click here. If you would like to find out whether Solareyes are right for your project please get in touch with our specialists by calling 01275 405 333 or completing our online form here.