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!

  • About the Project

    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

  • What's On

    Dark Skies Cumbria project events and activities. We're busy planning our 2021 Dark Skies Festival. We'll be publishing more information as plans come together later this year. Read more

  • Stargazing Tips

    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

  • Dark Skies Cumbria Ambassadors

    We are privileged to have the backing of two wonderful Cumbrian-based Ambassadors promoting our Dark Skies Project. Their passionate statements and support will help drive positive changes to conserve and celebrate our Dark Skies. Read more

Project News

  • Call for Legislation to Tackle Increasing Light Pollution

    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, a wow factor for visitors and local communities, but how can they be better protected? Read more

  • Photographing the Night Sky

    Ever since I was young, I wanted to photograph the night sky but, being realistic, for me that wasn’t possible until the advent of digital photography. The camera can see so much more than human eyes at night can, colour for one thing, and that possibility excited me. Read more

  • Light Pollution and Bats

    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 & foraging routes and feeding habitats? Read more

  • Light Pollution impacts on vital Insect Pollination

    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

  • Contact information

    Jack Ellerby - Project Officer
    Email: [email protected]
    Telephone: 01539 720788
    Dark Skies Cumbria
    Friends of the Lake District, Murley Moss Business Park, Oxenholme Road, Kendal. Cumbria LA9 7SS


      

         



    International Dark Sky Association