A Methodological Proposal for Implementing Dark Infrastructure Within the Ecological Network of an Urban Forest

Ecological continuity cannot be limited to spatial surfaces and corridors without consideration of the day–night cycle. This integration is achieved through the implementation of dark infrastructure, a field that remains comparatively understudied. The present article proposes a methodological approach for implementing dark infrastructure within an urban forest near Liège (Belgium), where the ecological network has recently been characterised, but nocturnal landscape-specificities are not included. Several sources of information were combined, including satellite imagery, a point-light map and the existing ecological network. The research seeks to illustrate conflicts between ecological requirements and human activities, with particular emphasis on public, and private lighting. In the discussion, the paper identifies methodological limitations, characterises the nature of light pollution, and lists planning issues for the cohabitation of human activities and nocturnal species’ habitats.