Projects

Dark Skies Community Programme 2022-23, 2023-24, 2024-25

The Howardian Hills Partnership is committed to protecting our dark skies and is working to raise awareness and encourage the minimisation of light pollution:

• Automatic dark sky meters – In 2022 and 2023, we installed a number of special automatic dark sky meters which record the brightness of the night sky every minute. They are part of a worldwide Stars4All (embed link stars4all.eu) programme aiming to conserve dark skies and help turn the tide of increasing light pollution.
• Community dark sky events – In 2023 and 2024, our Project Fund has supported a community-based programme of dark sky events and produced a dark skies leaflet.
• Planning – When we respond to planning applications, we include comments on minimising light pollution.

We have launched an exciting new initiative in the Howardian Hills to give our communities the opportunity to become officially Dark Sky Friendly.

This joint project with the North York Moors National Park is aimed at helping us protect our starry skies and nocturnal environment, which is vital for wildlife and human health. To receive this status a series of achievable steps are required. It is necessary to show local public support, typically by a vote of the parish council, complete a simple audit of external lighting and also undertake a demonstration project where light pollution has been reduced.

Already Bulmer, Crayke and Terrington have completed these tasks and can now proudly display the dark sky friendly logo!

If you’d like to find out more in the first instance, contact us on [email protected]

Here are a few key points:

• Is this scheme about turning all the lights off? No. It is about raising awareness that good lighting is far less intrusive and does the job better. We all need to use light at times.  But poorly aimed, high intensity light that produces uneven illumination and discomforting glare is not the answer.
• Is there any form of compulsion? Absolutely not. This scheme is about gaining voluntary public support.
• What do we mean by dark sky friendly lights? Warm white lights that point downwards and do not spill light into the sky or into a neighbour’s property.

Nunnington Village Hall window replacement 2022

Nunnington village hall is an active community space and a listed building. They applied for a grant from the Howardian Hills AONB Project fund to replace three single glazed windows with in-keeping double glazed units.

They received a grant of 43% of the final total cost from the Howardian Hills Project Fund. The work has improved the energy efficiency, structural integrity and aesthetics of a valuable community building.

Hedge laying, Potter Hill, Coulton 2018

The thickly-woven branches of a well-laid hedge need no additional fencing, and will remain impenetrable year-round to sheep and cattle, whilst simultaneously offering prime habitat to birds and small mammals. Cutting hedges at the base promotes new strong growth which will revitalise the hedge as a whole. In addition, hedge laying creates vital habitat and gives shelter to wildlife that no other option can rival. Hedge laying also keeps traditional skills alive.

Potter Hill received a 60% grant from the Howardian Hills project fund to lay 100m of hedge in a traditional style used in other hedges in the area.

Love Lane, Crayke, resurfacing, 2020

Love Lane is a section of a popular circular walk around Crayke village. The view towards the Whilte Horse from the end of the path is spectacular.

The Howardian Hills project fund contributed to 33% of the costs of resurfacing the footpath making it safer, more accessible and reducing sediment runoff.