The Howardian Hills Partnership has announced three new Dark Skies roadshows.
These highly popular and free events are designed to raise awareness of the beauty and importance of the starry skies over the 79 square mile Howardian Hills National Landscape, which stretches from Helmsley to Malton in North Yorkshire.
The roadshows start at 7pm, last approximately 2 hours, and are to be held at:
Oswaldkirk Village Hall on 15 September
Westow Cricket Club Pavilion on 22 September
Coneysthorpe Village Hall on 15 October
Ellie Hook, Manager of the Howardian Hills Partnership, explained: “These events have been some of the most successful we have ever staged. It shows that people really do care about retaining their dark skies. We can do more to be smarter with lighting, allowing us to enhance the area’s tranquillity and minimise the impact on nocturnal wildlife.”
Events feature demonstrations of dark sky friendly lights, more on how wildlife and humans are impacted, plus a beginner’s guide to the night sky over the rolling countryside. If the clouds part there will also be viewing through powerful telescopes.
Richard Darn, Dark Skies project leader, added: “The public response to the dark sky message has been terrific, with bumper turnouts filling village halls. We know light pollution is getting worse in many areas so we are determined to do what we can to preserve our night-time environment.”
The Howardian Hills Partnership has supported the installation of over 100 dark-sky-friendly lights, co-hosted a major light pollution conference and designated five communities as ‘dark skies friendly’. The events are free to people living in the Howardian Hills and nearby areas (such as York, Malton, Easingwold, Thirsk etc).
To reserve a place contact Richard Darn: [email protected], or telephone 0775 367 0038.
Image: the stunning night-sky over the Howardian Hills National Landscape. Credit Chris Lowther/Howardian Hills