North Yorkshire is all set to shine as a Dark Sky Reserve this month - George Jabbour
This autumn's Dark Skies Fringe Festival in Yorkshire is taking place from Friday, October 23, to Sunday, November 1. The events that are scheduled during this period present a timeless window into the beauty of the universe.
From stargazing and photography and art workshops to walking and night navigation using the stars, the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authorities have organised a large number of activities to mark this season’s Festival and provide an opportunity to find out more about two International Dark Sky Reserves.
As a Member of the North York Moors National Park Authority and a former Chair of the Howardian Hills National Landscape Partnership, I am incredibly proud of the stunning dark skies locations in our part of the country.
There are only 27 International Dark Sky Reserves in the world, seven of which are in the UK. The website of the North York Moors National Park Authority explains that the International Dark Sky Reserve recognition, which is granted by DarkSky International, is given to places that ‘offer exceptional starry nights and are specifically protected for scientific, natural, educational, cultural, heritage and/or public enjoyment’.
Over the years, I have received immense gratification from joining dark skies events.
Gathering with other people outdoors at various spots in North Yorkshire, each occasion was a distinctive and memorable indulgence to observe breathtaking views of dark skies adorned with bright stars.
Every adventure was a moment of reflection, delight and satisfaction.
For this and other reasons, stargazing is an appealing proposition that attracts visitors to areas that have unique dark skies vantage points.
Both the North York Moors National Park Authority and the Howardian Hills National Landscape Partnership operate a Dark Skies Friendly Community scheme to promote dark skies neighbourhoods.
One of the requirements for a location to become a Dark Skies Friendly Community is an assessment to identify the work that needs to be carried out to ensure better and more responsible use of light.
A common example is replacing poorly designed lighting with dark-sky-friendly alternatives that use warm colour temperatures and direct light downwards, illuminating only the space where it is needed and reducing unnecessary nuisance or light spilling into nocturnal habitats and the night sky.
The changes to lighting that accompany the award of a Dark Skies Friendly Community status bolster the protection of wildlife, improve the quality of life of residents and contribute to stargazing tourism.
The status is also a way to appreciate the effort that a parish or a community has put in to mitigate light pollution and increase the darkness of the night sky. This in turn helps celebrate a sense of community pride in a special quality that many in the UK do not have where they live.
Hawnby, which I represent on North Yorkshire Council, was the first village in England to be accredited as a Dark Skies Friendly Community. This status was gained after completing a tremendous transformation to lighting and a successful replacement of more than 100 lights on residential and business properties.
While North Yorkshire is famous for its spectacular scenery that could be savoured during the day, the dark skies at night are another reason to come to our splendid county.
George Jabbour is a North Yorkshire councillor.