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As Northumberland International Dark Sky Park celebrates its third anniversary this week, research shows that astro-tourism is developing into a heaven-sent boost for the county’s visitor economy.

Market research carried out after a dark skies autumn and winter marketing campaign last year found that 63% of respondents had visited the county between October 2015 and February 2016, compared to 9.5% the previous year.

Over 50% said seeing the campaign probably or definitely turned a possible visit into a certainty.

Earlier this year, satellite maps of England’s light pollution and dark skies released by the Campaign to Protect Rural England showed that Northumberland is the darkest national park with 96% of the area having pristine night skies.

The Dark Sky Steering Group which oversaw the application process to secure Dark Sky Park designation in 2013 continues to monitor and steer development and new opportunities in the area.

Led by Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust, it includes Northumberland National Park Authority, the Forestry Commission, Kielder Observatory Astronomical Society, Northumberland County Council and Northumberland Tourism.

Duncan Wise, visitor development and marketing manager at Northumberland National Park, has been working to control light pollution and promote the benefits that Dark Sky recognition brings to the region.

He said: “Northumberland is Europe’s largest area of protected night sky at 572 square miles making it officially the best place in England for people to enjoy the heavens. As a member of the Dark Sky Steering Group, we are committed to working with our partners, local communities and business owners to ensure its preservation.

“In all our activities we seek opportunities to preserve and improve the situation.

A new Good Practice Guide for Outside Lighting in Northumberland International Dark Sky Park has been published to help developers and residents understand how to minimise light pollution through the installation of fully-shielded outside lighting.

“Working closely with the county council, Northumberland National Park Authority also offers pre-planning advice on how all developments, large and small, can preserve the Dark Sky Park.

“Right across Northumberland, tourism businesses are welcoming more and more visitors who are seeking the stars. This increase, especially during the winter months, is boosting occupancy rates and generating lots of new business opportunities connected to astro-tourism for local people.

“Wherever possible we work hard to ensure they get the most from Northumberland’s dark sky status. This includes dark sky tourism events held throughout the park ,and business workshops to introduce and train local tourism companies on dark skies to help them give their guests a world-class visitor experience.

“Due to its success, there are plans to extend the dark skies marketing campaign over the next two years.”

(Image: David Taylor Photography. All Rights Reserved)

Lynn Turner, director of the Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust, said: “The Dark Sky Park designation has proved immensely popular for visitors to the Kielder area and the development of Kielder Observatory has been a magnificent addition to this area.

“People are so used to the light pollution that invades most parts of the UK, being in the Kielder Water & Forest Park at night is a rare and moving experience, especially on a night free from cloud cover.

“The fact that the Dark Sky Park sits at the heart of one of the most naturally beautiful parts of the UK, is another fantastic reason to visit Northumberland.”

In the three years since Northumberland received its International Dark Sky Park designation, over 40 businesses have signed up to a voluntary code developed by the Dark Sky Steering Group for tourism businesses to become dark sky-friendly.

To mark Friday’s third anniversary of the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park Northumberland National Park is hosting a Geminids Meteor Shower night at Walltown on Tuesday December 13 between 8pm and 10pm and the Redesdale Arms is holding a Geminids weekend on December 9 to 10.