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!
Dark skies are integral to the tranquility and people’s enjoyment of the many great landscapes of the Lake District and across Cumbria. Read more
The second Cumbria Dark Skies Festival of 2022 runs from 28th-12th November. It will contain a mix of both online and outside talks celebrating Cumbria’s Dark Skies. More details later in 2022 so do visit us and see what’s in the stars this Autumn. Read more
We believe that the Lake District offers some of the most spectacular and precious skyscapes in England and we want you to join us on an interstellar adventure. We're publishing tips and guides to help you make the most of our starry skies! Read more
26th February - 6th March. Count the stars you can see within the constellation of Orion. With your help, CPRE can create a map to show the best places for stargazing and where it is difficult because of light pollution. Read more
We are working with the County Council and Thorn Lighting to install new Dark Skies and wildlife friendly road lighting across Cumbria. A short film featuring some of the work so far. Read more
When lighting is switched off after midnight the streets are likely to be in near darkness, which means that any would-be offenders may find it challenging to see if there are any valuable goods left unsecured in vehicles. Read more
Street lights on roads in Ambleside and Grasmere go out to mark The Big Switch Off – an evening to highlight the stars and raise awareness about saving electricity. Read more
Five Dark Skies and wildlife friendly road lights have been installed in Lorton, in the north west of the Lake District National Park as part of a new pilot scheme. Read more
Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale
Simon Fell, MP for Barrow and Furness
Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border
Mark Jenkinson, MP for Workington
International Dark Sky Association