Bodmin Moor First UK Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty To Achieve IDA Dark Sky Park Status

Bodmin Moor has been designated an International Dark Sky Landscape, confirming its status as one of Cornwall’s star attractions and making it the first International Dark Sky Place in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Following a bid by Cornwall Council and Caradon Observatory, the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) has awarded the prestigious designation in recognition of the exceptional quality of the night sky over Bodmin Moor, commitments to avoid light pollution and the provision of educational outreach.

“While other sites in the UK have previously received International Dark Sky Places accreditation, today’s announcement of Bodmin Moor’s status as an International Dark Sky Park is especially noteworthy,” said IDA Executive Director J. Scott Feierabend. “Its position within the Cornwall AONB clearly establishes that the conservation of dark night skies is wholly compatible with the notion of protected landscapes where people routinely live and work.”

Bodmin Moor International Dark Sky Designation covers the portion of the moor within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty plus a two-mile buffer zone around it. As an AONB, Bodmin Moor is one of the UK’s most cherished and outstanding working landscapes. Its Dark Sky status is expected to boost tourism and the local economy, especially in the darker spring, autumn and winter months when star gazing opportunities are at their best.

The designation will also bring health benefits for both people and wildlife in the moor’s living landscape by helping to keep artificial light at a very low level. Within the designation area residents and businesses will be encouraged to protect the night sky from light pollution by managing their lighting better. No one will have to change their existing lights. Instead people will be provided with a guide for dark sky friendly lighting to help them choose appropriate lights when they need to replace old lights or fit new ones. They will also be encouraged to only use lighting where it’s needed and turn off lights when they aren’t needed.

Sue James, Cornwall Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Public Protection, said: “I’m delighted that Bodmin Moor has become the first AONB to become an International Dark Sky Landscape. Most people love a starry sky, and thanks to its low levels of light pollution Bodmin Moor has some of the darkest skies in the country. This designation will support the varied wildlife living on Bodmin Moor as having defined day and night is essential for many species to survive.”

Ken Bennett, founder of Caradon Observatory, said: “Caradon Observatory is proud to have sponsored Bodmin Moor for International Dark Sky status and worked with Cornwall Council on a truly comprehensive application. We’re keen to build on the area’s Dark Sky designation and are now aiming to become a research grade observatory so we can offer more comprehensive education and community outreach opportunities in the future.”

Anita Grice-Goldsmith, Director of CPRE Cornwall said: “We are delighted with today’s news that Bodmin Moor has been recognized as the jewel in Cornwall’s crown that it so deservedly is and pleased that data gathered for CPRE’s interactive Night Blight maps was used as complementary evidence for the bid. Bodmin Moor offers exceptionally dark skies and its designation as an International Dark Sky Landscape means that 80 square miles of spectacular open countryside will now be protected from the intrusion of damaging artificial lighting. Hopefully this will act as a catalyst for education and good lighting across Cornwall. We all know that Cornwall is a great place to spot celebrities but now it’s also the ideal place to go star spotting for the real stars of the night sky!”

Malcolm Bell, Chief Executive of Visit Cornwall, said: “Cornwall is famous for its quality of environment and this latest designation will help build our reputation, but most importantly assist the wonders of Bodmin Moor and the amazing dark sky which many of our urban dwelling visitors would have never seen in its full glory.”