Dark Sky Discovery
Communities across England will have a twinkle in their eye and get a big environmental and educational boost thanks to Dark Sky Discovery – a pioneering new national and regional partnership of astronomy and environmental organisations led by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).
A £176,800 grant, funded by the Big Lottery Fund and awarded through Natural England’s Access to Nature programme, will support a 2-year programme to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to come together in their local area and enjoy the night sky in a radically new way.
Working with astronomy, environmental and community organisations in every English region, the aim is to involve people in identifying safe, accessible ‘Dark Sky Discovery Sites’ – places in urban and rural areas where they can take part in stimulating stargazing sessions. Today, a series of Dark Sky Discovery Sites are being unveiled illustrating the range of great local spots that people can use for stargazing, including some in Exmoor National Park which has recently been designated Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve - only the second place in the world to achieve such status.
Project Leader Dan Hillier, based at the STFC’s Royal Observatory Edinburgh site, says: “In every community there is somewhere that is the best place to see the stars. Even in towns and cities, there are places such as local parks where people can enjoy the wonders of the night sky, from planets to meteor showers. This project will find ways of helping people from a whole range of different backgrounds – such as schools, community and special needs groups – to discover the universe that is just beyond their doorstep.”
The project is funding activity in nine English regions so that astronomy and environmental organisations can work with community groups to harness local dark skies for local priorities.
In the South West, the project's lead partner is Exmoor National Park Authority. Emma Dennis, Landscape Officer at the National Park says: "This project gives us a great opportunity to involve communities in and around the National Park in promoting our award winning dark skies as well as the conservation of the resource for the benefit to local people and visitors alike”.
Other darker areas in the UK that also have Dark Sky Discovery Sites are the Lake District, Kielder Forest and the Brecon Beacons National Park. There are several sites in Scotland, including Skye and Morayshire, where there is already strong community interest in dark skies.
Liz Newton, Natural England’s Director for Access and Engagement said; “The night sky can be spectacular and this initiative provides a great way for communities to share and experience an often overlooked part of our natural environment.”
The project is partnering with the hugely popular BBC Stargazing Live which will be broadcasting its second series on 16-18 January 2012.
For more information, please visit www.darkskydiscovery.org.uk
Published: 28 October 2011