Kew replied: “Thank you for sharing your concerns with us.
“Attention to the sustainability of the course is very important to us and we consider this carefully as part of the planning process.
“Our trail designers have been appointed based on their experience working in eco-friendly ways in heritage and landscape settings.
“All Christmas at Kew generators run on HVO biofuel – a form of renewable diesel produced from vegetable fats and oils.
“This results in a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of up to 90 percent.
“Finally, continuous lighting of paths and pathways will be avoided and we will only use lighting of public areas where it is absolutely necessary for reasons of public safety.”
However, the answer did not please everyone.
Nigel Witham shot back: “How is this wasteful, light-polluting, kitsch fantasy a good thing?
“Why don’t you turn off your Christmas lights and encourage us to… look at the intact stars and behold our true place instead?”
Kew replied, “We are a leading scientific organization and are critical… dependent on admission income to maintain the gardens and continue our vital scientific work.
“Christmas at Kew is designed to attract visitors in the dark winter months.
“Every time we attract a new visitor, through our exhibitions, children’s activities or events and itineraries, we introduce a new audience to the beauty of Kew’s landscape and continue our pivotal work.”
But Mr Witham pointed out that other light events seemed to have… displaced wildlifesaying: “After the lights at Bedgebury all waterfowl had been driven out, despite impact assessments.”
He added photos of an abandoned pond, adding: “Look! There’s no duck in the pond. How does that involve someone with nature? Visitors enjoyed those birds.”