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
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
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
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
The Dark Skies Cumbria Festival, entertained, educated and wowed participants with amazing night sky images and mind-blowing space facts. Read more
Two-thirds of bird migration takes place during darkness, mainly to avoid predation. It has long been known that artificial light sources can cause migratory birds to lose their ability to orientate and navigate. Read more
Participants from Cumbria needed to help map the night sky. From 6-14 February, we are asking people to count stars from their garden or window as part of the annual nationwide star count. Read more
A terror of the dark when I was four Brought crawling creatures all around my bed; I’d lie awake, await the tiger’s tread, Smell spiders crammed behind the wardrobe door. 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