Cumbria's dark skies allow us to see the natural wonder of the stars, but are also critical for the health wildlife and our own natural well-being. Sadly light pollution in Cumbria is increasing each year, threatening to obscure our view of the stars and blinding and confusing animals so they can’t feed or find a mate. We need urgent action now to stop light pollution. Stargazers, photographers, wildlife lovers and local communities… please help.
Or you can give by text to 70085. Just message DARKSKIES along with your chosen donation amount (eg DARKSKIES 5 to donate £5). Standard message rates apply.
The Lake District and Cumbria offers some of the most spectacular and precious skyscapes in England and we want you to join us on an interstellar adventure. Download our Dark Sky Discovery Pack and get started today!
Autumn has crept up on us and nights are drawing in. Yet getting outside is even more crucial for mental well-being in anxious times. Night time photography using digital cameras and affordable telescopes is a great excuse to venture out. Read more
Cumbria, the Dales and Lake District National Parks have some of the best dark skies in England. Our star covered dark skies provide an amazing free display for visitors and local communities, but how can they be better protected? Read more
Ever since he was young, Ian Bradley wanted to photograph the night sky. The camera can see so much more than human eyes at night can, including colour. Read his blog here. Read more
Are we properly assessing the impact of new lighting from developments and private security lights across South Cumbria and elsewhere on these critical bat roosting, commuting and foraging routes and feeding habitats? Read more
Cumbria Wildlife Trust Wildlife Watch leaders took some young detectives along the River Kent in Kendal to track down bats feeding themselves up before their winter hibernation. Watch the film. Read more
Our ecosystems are being harmed by growing light pollution. Wasting light energy when not needed increases greenhouse gas emissions, adds to climate threats to key habitats, and directly affects many species’ sleeping, feeding and breeding behaviours. Read more
Unlike legislation covering air, noise and water pollution, powers to control light pollution are very limited, and individual, cumulative additional lighting is being added on a daily basis, causing ever-increasing sky glow at night. Read more
Global emissions of Artificial Lighting At Night (ALAN) are projected to increase by 6% each year, with ecological impacts to coastal marine and estuarine ecosystems. Read more
We spoke with a Parish Council about Dark Skies this month. Listening well to conversations and stories can reveal much richer meaning and common values than ‘policy words’! Read more
Some basic principles to help reduce light pollution and safeguard Cumbria's Dark Skies Read more