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 getting ready for our Dark Skies Cumbria Festival, which runs from 5th – 14th November. Try a night time wildlife sounds experience, a Moonwatch event or a night time canoe trip! 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
An exciting selection in-person night time events in the wilds of Cumbria, from rock pooling in the dark on the west coast, to night woodland walks at Arnside and Staveley, night time canoeing, listening to wildlife and studying the moon through a telescope. Read more
There's just a few days left to enter our Lake District Photo Competition. Here's some fabulous photos from the Dark Skies category of our 2020 photo comp, to get you in the mood. Read more
The latest organisation to lend their support to the Dark Skies Cumbria Project is the Cumbria Amphibian and Reptile Group, who highlighted recent studies assessing the impacts of light pollution on common toads (Bufo Bufo). Read more
Light polluting footway lights along Cliff Terrace on Low Fellside, Kendal have been replaced with the Town’s first Dark Skies and Wildlife friendly heritage-style lights. 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