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!
‘I am no expert in things owls or owlish, I just live next to some.' Frightened of the dark as a child, Polly listens to the owls at night and begins to see night time as a zone of possibilities. The owls teach her to listen to the sounds of the woods, and its inhabitants. Read more
Join Project Officer Jack Ellerby for a talk about the value of Dark Skies and the impacts of light pollution on wildlife, environment and people, good and bad lighting, and find out how we can all help tackle light pollution. Read more
A star filled night sky gives us a free display of arguably the most important natural wonder humans experience. That’s why we are passionate to protect Cumbria’s Dark Sky environment for everyone and future generations. Light pollution is growing at 2% each year, and new research suggests it could be as much as 10%.
The benefits of darkness are well documented, increasing human wellbeing and supporting ecological systems to thrive. Scientists warn that pollution caused by excessive lighting is altering the night cycle of people, animals and plants and preventing the sky observation. We need to take immediate action.
To celebrate our starry skies and help protect and improve our view of the stars, we're inviting residents and visitors in Cumbria to be ‘citizen scientists’ and take part in a Cumbria Star Count 2024 – a cosmic census that will help map our view of the stars and the impact of light pollution. Read more