Case Studies

Dark Skies & Ancient Landscapes

Brought to you by Archaeoastronomy Cornwall & The Cornish Bird

Project Overview

Dark Skies & Ancient Landscapes: Exploring Bodmin Moor Together was delivered by Carolyn Kennett AKA Archaeoastronomy Cornwall and Elizabeth Dale AKA The Cornish Bird with support from the Natural Beauty & The Beast Community Grant Fund in early 2026. The project aimed to help local people experience Bodmin Moor’s rich cultural heritage, ancient monuments, and internationally recognised dark skies through accessible and inclusive evening activities.

The initiative focused particularly on residents of Bodmin and surrounding communities who may have lacked the confidence to explore the Moor independently, especially after dark. Through guided walks, stargazing sessions, and storytelling activities, the project sought to strengthen people’s connection with the landscape while improving understanding of its historical and environmental significance.

What took place?

The project delivered a programme of guided evening experiences across Bodmin Moor, including low-light walks to significant archaeological landmarks such as Stripple Stones and Goodaver Stone Circle. These walks were complemented by expert-led stargazing and storytelling sessions that brought local history, folklore, and astronomy together.

Interest in the programme was exceptionally high from the outset. The first walk, held on 21 March 2026 during the Spring Equinox, attracted 23 participants, with an additional 10 people joining a waiting list. Demand continued throughout the project, with a second walk to the Stripple Stones filling within hours and generating a waiting list of 40 people. The final walk, held during International Dark Skies Week, welcomed 27 participants, most of whom came from Bodmin and neighbouring communities.

Overall, approximately 60 people participated in the guided walks, while a further 40 people attended a community storytelling and sharing event. The project also engaged targeted groups, including members of Queer Kernow, ensuring a diverse and inclusive audience.

Outcomes

The project exceeded expectations in terms of participation and community engagement. Many attendees reported that they had never previously visited some of Bodmin Moor’s key heritage sites and described the experience as transformative.

A significant outcome was the increase in confidence among participants. The guided format helped remove concerns about navigating the Moor in low-light conditions, allowing people to explore the landscape safely while learning from experienced guides.

Participants also developed a deeper understanding of:

The programme delivered notable wellbeing benefits through gentle physical activity, outdoor experiences, and social connection. Feedback highlighted feelings of relaxation, enjoyment, and a stronger sense of belonging to the local landscape.

To extend the project’s impact, participants contributed to a collaborative “Stories of the Night” booklet, featuring reflections, drawings, and personal experiences. The booklet was digitised and shared online, reaching hundreds of additional people and creating a lasting legacy resource. The project also encouraged ongoing engagement through volunteering opportunities and connections to wider initiatives such as Bodmin and the Beast.

Conclusion

Dark Skies & Ancient Landscapes: Exploring Bodmin Moor Together successfully combined heritage, nature, and community engagement to create meaningful and accessible experiences for local people. By removing barriers to participation, building confidence, and providing opportunities for learning and connection, the project enabled more people to discover and appreciate Bodmin Moor’s unique natural and cultural assets.

Its strong attendance, positive participant feedback, and lasting resources demonstrate the value of inclusive, place-based activities in fostering long-term relationships between communities and their local landscapes.