During 2024 the Cornwall National Landscape Monumental Improvement Project, funded primarily by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and other partners, produced new interpretation tools for many of the 40 sites...
James Richards
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.
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, Dark Sky International (formerly 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. Bodmin Moor International Dark Sky designation covers the portion of the Moor within Section 12 of Cornwall National Landscape 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.
“….Bodmin Moor’s status as an International Dark Sky Landscape is especially noteworthy. Its position within the Cornwall National Landscape clearly establishes that the conservation of dark night skies is wholly compatible with the notion of protected landscapes where people routinely live and work.”
Dark Sky International ex-Executive Director J. Scott Feierabend
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.
DarkSky International 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
“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.
International Dark Sky Week is a global event dedicated to appreciating the beauty of the night sky and raising awareness about the importance of dark skies, inviting everyone to explore the wonders of the night and take action to protect our nocturnal environment.
Look up into the night sky. How many stars can you see? Light pollution continues to grow at an alarming rate, doubling globally every eight years, taking away our view of the stars while harming human health and critical wildlife habitat, according to scientific studies. From enhancing wildlife biodiversity to preserving cultural heritage, dark skies are essential for a healthy planet.
Let’s come together this International Dark Sky week, to celebrate our astronomical heritage, enjoy the night and ensure that future generations can also enjoy the beauty of a star-filled sky.
Cornwall National Landscape’s Monumental Improvement team are hosting an evening of stargazing on Friday 25 April, at South Penquite Farm on Bodmin Moor. A guided walk exploring the unique archaeology of the moor will be followed by a session with the Bodmin Moor International Dark Sky Landscape team from Caradon Observatory, who will be on hand with powerful telescopes and tips on how to read the skies. Places are free but limited, reserve your spot now!
Book nowDeep-sky objects are celestial objects that exist beyond our solar system. Three major types of deep-sky objects are nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies. Join Wayne Thomas of Caradon Observatory for a streaming event on the evening of Wednesday 23 April, to take a real-time deep dive into these fascinating objects.
Join the eventToday, 80% of the world's population lives beneath light-polluted skies. Every eight years, light pollution around the world doubles! Did you know, smart and simple lighting practices around your own home and community can make a difference? DarkSky International has five easy steps to help ensure your lights protect the night!
What is so special about it? The Seestar S50 telescope has online connectivity to help people with limited access to traditional telescopes explore the night sky in new ways. It takes stunning photos of space, which will be used in talks and events to inspire a whole new generation of stargazers. This photo of the Moon was taken using the Seestar S50 by Wayne Thomas at Caradon Observatory
Many of our megalithic sites are linked to the solar or lunar cycles. Some have links to the stellar cycle. Cornwall was also the birthplace of pioneers such as John Couch Adams (pictured), one of the two people who independently predicted the existence and position of Neptune using mathematical calculation and Malachy Hitchins, the vicar of St Hilary, whose work on the Nautical Almanac enabled sailors to navigate using tables of the position of the Moon and planets.
Discover the secrets of the ancient past hidden beneath the Cornish skies, from the enigmatic Goodaver Stone Circle to the majestic King Arthur’s Hall. Join us on a journey through time and space as we delve into the mysteries of the cosmos, with archaeoastronomer Carolyn Kennett and Wayne Thomas (Caradon Observatory).
“Meet Archaeoastronomer Carolyn Kennett to discover more about Cornwall's rich history of ancient sites with astronomical importance”
What got you interested in archaeoastronomy?
I’ve always loved history, and as an astronomer, discovering archaeoastronomy felt like finding my perfect niche. I’m fascinated by how ancient cultures connected with the sky, and I love sharing that wonder—there’s something magical about explaining how a sunset aligns at a historic site and seeing people’s amazement.
How and when did you get started?
My background is quite varied, but I became more serious about archaeoastronomy while studying for my astronomy degree. That’s when I realized how much I enjoyed exploring the connections between ancient structures and celestial events.
Do you use any special equipment or have any special training?
Yes to both! Surveying equipment and a solid understanding of astronomical software are incredibly useful. That said, you don’t need specialist tools to get started—anyone can explore archaeoastronomy with curiosity and a keen eye.
Where are the best places in Cornwall National Landscape for archaeoastronomy?
Cornwall is full of amazing sites! Chun Quoit and Tregeseal Stone Circle are incredible spots to watch the winter solstice sunset.
What are your top 3 tips for beginners in archaeoastronomy?
1. Learn the Basics – Understand key celestial events like solstices and equinoxes and how ancient cultures observed them.
2. Explore Ancient Sites – Visit places like Stonehenge or Chichén Itzá to see how people aligned structures with the sky.
3. Use Technology & Get Outside – Apps like Stellarium help visualize ancient skies, but nothing beats experiencing the stars and historic sites in person!
Photo: Offering to the Heavens by Chris Colyer
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
