The Yorkshire Dales received a tourism boost today when it was designated a dark sky reserve.
The International Dark-Sky Association accepted a joint application on behalf of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and North York Moors National Parks for reserve status.
The accolade recognises the national parks, which combined cover 3500 km², have some of the darkest skies on the planet. It’s possible to see thousands of stars, the Milky Way, meteors and even the Northern Lights.
Besides global recognition, reserve status also provides an opportunity to promote locations, events and businesses.
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Councils, parishes, landowners and businesses campaigned for reserve status for several years.
Neil Heseltine, chair of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said:
“Those lucky enough to live in the Yorkshire Dales National Park know what it is to experience the darkest skies.
“Designation provides a fantastic opportunity to encourage tourism in the autumn and winter months.”
Credit Jurij Stare, www.lightpollutionmap.info
Dark skies festival
The Yorkshire Dales will hold its first dark skies festival since joining the international list from February 12 to February 28.
Guided night walks, runs, bike rides, star camps, telescope experiences and more are among the ideas being discussed.
The festival will include virtual and in-person events after covid forced the last event to be staged online in October.
Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority has encouraged businesses interested in being involved to get in touch.
Jim Bailey, chairman of the North York Moors National Park Authority said:
“It’s a wonderful thing to see a meteorite streak across the night sky or to look up and appreciate the brilliance of the Milky Way.
“From helping nocturnal wildlife to boosting off-season tourism, the North York Moors looks set to have a better, darker future.”
