Dark Skies Cumbria

Saving Our Night Skies

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!

Why are Dark Skies good for business?

Here at Friends of the Lakes District we’re working hard to celebrate and protect Cumbria’s Dark Skies. It’s a bold mission and one which we’re tackling with the help of many businesses in Cumbria.

We think conserving our Dark Skies and working to create a dark sky reserve will help to boost business for all in Cumbria – especially those in the tourism sector, so we’d love your help to turn this into a reality.

If we all do our bit in reducing light pollution, we can ensure our Dark Skies will be enjoyed by generations to come.

Download our Astro Tourism pack here (pdf)

Mark your calendar with some Dark Skies fun!

We’re delighted to bring you the first ever Cumbria Dark Skies Festival which will take place on Friday 21 – Sunday 23 February 2020.

We’ve been busy working to pull together an exciting array of dark sky events for all the family to enjoy – we hope you’ll find there’s something for everyone!

Cumbria Dark Skies Festival events

The exciting three-day programme is delivered in partnership with Cumbria Tourism and Forestry England and will see events running across the Lake District and wider Cumbria area.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab the family and make the most of the very first Dark Skies Festival. Check out the full event listings here: https://www.friendsofthelakedistrict.org.uk/news/cumbria-dark-skies-festival

Cumbria Dark Skies Festival is a partnership of Friends of the Lake District, Cumbria Tourism, Forestry England and the Lake District National Park.

Latest

Wednesday 15th May 2024: Hows Wood, Woodland and Walling Work

Join our workparty for woodland work at Hows Wood, Eskdale. Tree staking, path clearance, branch lopping and coppicing, walling if needed.
Wednesday 8th May 2024: Mike's Wood, Woodland Work

Join our workparty for coppicing and walling at Mike's Wood near Staveley
Tuesday 30th April 2024: High Borrowdale Tree Maintenance and Walling

Join our workparty for tree maintenance and walling in High Borrowdale.
Leaders' Landscape Training: Life of the hill bred Fell Pony

The Fell Pony is native to Cumbria and have roamed the Northern Fells for centuries. The semi-wild herds of Fell Ponies have helped create the landscape and are part of the heritage and history of the area.

Dark Skies Room Brochure

We've created a new 2024 'Dark Skies room brochure' for hotel and B&B guests to encourage them to step outside, look up and be wowed by how many stars they can see.
A Cat’s Guide to the Night Sky

Kendal-based stargazer and educator, Stuart Atkinson, has written an entertaining introduction to astronomy for children aged 7-11 years.
Best dates for stargazing

When are the best times to go stargazing this winter? See our postcard for details.
Dark Skies Discovery Pack

Thinking about going to stargazing for the first time? Don’t worry, here’s a starter guide from Friends of the Lake District. A night-time adventure awaits your family!
Top tips for stargazers!

Top tips for stargazing this autumn to help you make the most of our dark skies.
Making the most of Dark Skies

To make the most of this fantastic time of year, we have put together some fun tips for making the most of Dark Skies, from great spots to view the skies to games and activities to involve the whole family.

Volunteering

Learn new skills and join our army of volunteers helping us to make a practical difference to the Lake District all year round.
Join Today

Play your part in protecting the Lake District by becoming a member today.
Our Purpose

We are an independent charity and the only membership organisation dedicated to protecting and enhancing Cumbria's landscapes for future generations
Elterwater Quarry Adventure Attraction plans resubmitted

Just before Christmas, revised proposals were submitted for a visitor attraction at Elterwater Quarry. We have reviewed the plans, we remain opposed to the scheme, and you can read our formal response here.
The Helm

Situated near Oxenholme, just south east of Kendal, and although not a very high hill at 185m, it gives beautiful views.
It's Time To Save Roanhead - Response Guidance

A NEW planning application has been submitted for the major resort development proposed at Roanhead. It will still have a huge impact on this sensitive coastline, even with a reduced number of lodges. Please join us again to challenge the proposal. Previous responses won't count and new responses need to reflect latest plans.
Aerial Flight at Honister Slate Mine

We received the disappointing news that the Secretary of State will not ‘call in’ the proposed zip-wires at Honister and so the Authority’s approval stands. The Secretary of State is no longer required to give reasons for his decision.
Why become a member?

Love the Lake District? Become a member of Friends of the Lake District and join thousands of people enjoying and protecting it.
What are the disadvantages of being in a National Park?
High Borrowdale

High Borrowdale is situated 8.5 miles north of Kendal. The best way to access it is from the A6, south of Shap. There is open access at all times. Take a VIRTUAL TOUR