The first meeting to formalise the Northern England Dark Skies Alliance, comprising all 13 of the National Parks and National Landscapes across Northern England, has been held in North Yorkshire.
The event at Ampleforth Abbey in the North York Moors, involved all 13 of the National Parks and National Landscapes across Northern England, from Lincolnshire up to the Northumberland coast and across to the Lake District. They joined together with delegates of other organisations including lighting manufacturers and fitters, landowners, conservation bodies and academics.
By presenting a unified regional voice and committing to sharing best practice, Northern England’s protected landscapes hope to speed up the work that protects the night from light pollution.
With many of the protected spaces already forging ahead with projects to conserve their dark skies, the conference provided a platform for sharing ideas and approaches as well as learning from bodies such as Buglife and academics from York St John University how precious the night time environment is for nature and people’s wellbeing, including their mental health.
Among the ideas discussed were ways to protect nature through simple actions such as directing artificial light away from hedgerows to avoid disorienting wildlife; finding the best way to engage with local communities; sourcing the most appropriate light fittings; promoting responsible astrotourism or noctourism; or providing planning guidance.
Importantly, the Alliance hopes that a stronger regional voice will be more effective in conveying that conserving the night, not just the quality of the sky but the whole nocturnal environment, is as important as other climate considerations when future policies are shaped.
Mike Hawtin, Head of Nature Recovery Projects for the North York Moors National Park commented:
“The conference has been incredibly important in positioning the Alliance as a body with significant experience and knowledge which is useful on a national, and even, international stage when it comes to transforming attitudes and practices that help conserve a crucial aspect of the natural world.
Protecting the night isn’t yet given the same attention as other aspects of the climate crisis and yet it needs to be, as it is essential for so many aspects of life and the natural world. As it’s a relatively new field of work it is crucial we all share the best ideas and most effective technologies particularly as there are some fantastic initiatives that are underway across Northern England.
For instance, North Yorkshire Council is working to install specific dark skies-friendly streetlight fittings that blend in with the heritage of an area and this experience could be replicated at other historic places. Similarly, the North York Moors National Park’s experience of engaging with the many different groups involved with creating a Dark Skies Community can be used by others.”
Duncan Wise, Visitor Development and Tourism Officer for Northumberland National Park, said:
“Light pollution is stealing our night skies and impacting everything from migrating birds and human health to our economy and cultural heritage. Here in the North, we’re working hard to ensure artificial light is only used where needed. Protecting dark skies isn’t just about stargazing - it’s about safeguarding the character of our landscapes at night. By sharing knowledge, we can achieve more, faster, than by working alone.”
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