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.
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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 Cumbria Dark Skies Festival is back this autumn between 28 October and 18 November 2023. Friends of the Lake District is hosting a number of free events which you are welcome to join. 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
Our good lighting guide produced jointly with a lighting designer launches and has already won two national awards! Providing technical lighting guidance to planners, it will also help anyone installing or replacing lighting to make good lighting choices. Read more
A talk to the Institution for Lighting Professionals' Annual Summit. Our Dark Skies Officer shares fresh approaches to tackling light pollution, planning guidance, monitoring, and inspiring communities to take action. Read more
A magical Dark Skies Night Walk in Holme Wood with talk, poetry, sounds and silence, light and darkness, and songs. Read more
Cumberland Council in partnership with lighting company DW Windsor has installed dark skies and wildlife sensitive lighting across the busiest road crossing the river Eden in Carlisle. 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