What does tranquillity mean to you? Cornwall National Landscape and Falmouth University are launching an online survey about people’s experiences of their time spent outside. We need your help to...
Sara Tipler
Under a pitch black starry sky in West Penwith, when sitting by some of the ancient monuments, we are looking at the very sky that 2000 years or more ago our ancestors were looking at. We must protect that sky for future generations….
Cornwall National Landscape has two DarkSky International Dark Sky Places that cover the whole of Section 07, West Penwith and Section12, Bodmin Moor.
Preserve and enhance the dark night skies above West Penwith and Bodmin Moor for pleasure, leisure and to support the wellbeing of residents, visitors and wildlife.
Preserve and enhance the dark night sky above for pleasure, leisure and to support the wellbeing of residents, visitors and wildlife
Raise awareness of the importance of a dark night sky and encourage a reduction in light pollution
Engage with individuals and groups to grow an outreach and education programme for astronomy, nature, historic environment and well-being
Guide residents and visitors to the most appropriate locations and opportunities for appreciating the dark night sky
Promote eco- and astro-tourism
Inspire other designated landscape areas, within Cornwall and beyond, to appreciate and protect their dark skies, both formally and informally
Our Primary Purpose is to conserve and enhance Natural Beauty.
Our priority is to lead and support projects which deliver under these four key categories.
Humans evolved to the rhythms of the natural light-dark cycle of day and night. We need darkness to thrive.
Experiencing the night sky provides perspective, inspiration, and leads us to reflect on our place in the universe. It is our common and universal heritage.
Plants and animals depend on Earth’s daily cycle of light and dark rhythm to govern life-sustaining behaviors such as reproduction, nourishment, sleep and protection from predators.
IDA estimates that least 30% of all outdoor lighting (USA) alone is wasted, mostly by lights that aren’t shielded. This equals $3.3 billion and 21 million tons of CO2 per year! To offset we’d have to plant 875 million trees annually
Bodmin Moor International Dark Sky Landscape
In July 2017 Bodmin Moor, Section 12 of Cornwall National Landscape, was 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 a National Landscape.
Following a bid by Cornwall Council and Caradon Observatory, the International Dark-Sky Association 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. 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. IDA Executive Director J. Scott Feierabend
Bodmin Moor International Dark Sky designation covers the portion of the Moor within Section 12 PLUS a two-mile buffer zone around it.
Star-gazing opportunities on Bodmin Moor are at their best in the darker spring, autumn and winter months. The designation brings 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 are encouraged to protect the night sky from light pollution by managing their lighting better.
“Under a pitch black starry sky in West Penwith, when sitting by some of the ancient monuments, we are looking at the very sky that 2000 years or more ago our ancestors were looking at. We must protect that sky for future generations to also be able to appreciate and wonder at. ”
West Penwith International Dark Sky Park, 2021
Most recently the skies above West Penwith, Section 07 Cornwall National Landscape, are now officially recognised with the prestigious International Dark Sky Park Designation, awarded by DarkSky International.
West Penwith is only the seventh area of the UK and the second in Cornwall (after Bodmin Moor) to become an International Dark Sky Park (IDSP).
The West Penwith IDSP covers the westerly section of Cornwall National Landscape; it stretches around the coastline from the outskirts of St Ives, through to St Just, Sennen and around Land’s End to Mousehole. Inland it takes in Trethewey, Sancreed and New Mill. The designation recognises this area as being naturally dark at night, with minimal traces of light pollution, making West Penwith one of the best places in the world to view the beauty of the night sky.
Cornwall Council supported a partnership among residents, businesses and councillors to achieve the accolade. A Steering Group comprised of local Councillors, Cornwall Council officers, PK Porthcurno, Land’s End Accommodation Providers, The National Trust, Cornwall National Landscape, Mayes Creative, Penwith Landscape Partnership and other passionate locals led the efforts for this IDSP nomination.
“Cornwall has a rich astronomical heritage. Megalithic sites with links to astronomy are found throughout Cornwall, but primarily on; Bodmin Moor, West Penwith, the Lizard and also the nearby Isles of Scilly. Many of the sites within the area are linked to the solar and lunar cycles. Some have links to the stellar cycle.” Carolyn Kennett
