Dark Skies Cornwall
About
Cornwall National Landscape has two DarkSky International Dark Sky Places that cover the whole of Section 07, West Penwith and Section12, Bodmin Moor.
Aim
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.
About DarkSky International
Cornwall has successfully designated two International Dark Sky Places, which are Sections of Cornwall National Landscape. The parks are publicly or privately owned spaces protected for natural conservation that implement good outdoor lighting and provide dark sky programmes for visitors.
Project Detail
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.
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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
Aims – Goals & Objectives
Objective
Preserve and enhance the dark night sky above for pleasure, leisure and to support the wellbeing of residents, visitors and wildlife
Objective
Raise awareness of the importance of a dark night sky and encourage a reduction in light pollution
Objective
Engage with individuals and groups to grow an outreach and education programme for astronomy, nature, historic environment and well-being
Objective
Guide residents and visitors to the most appropriate locations and opportunities for appreciating the dark night sky
Objective
Promote eco- and astro-tourism
Objective
Inspire other designated landscape areas, within Cornwall and beyond, to appreciate and protect their dark skies, both formally and informally
Benefits
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.
People
Humans evolved to the rhythms of the natural light-dark cycle of day and night. We need darkness to thrive.
Place
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.
Nature
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.
Climate
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
Project Detail
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.
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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.
Love Our Dark Skies?
Join West Penwith or Bodmin Moor International Dark Sky Steering Groups and be part of something big. The groups are currently welcoming committed and proactive Volunteers to help protect, promote and enhance Cornwall’s night sky for people, place, nature and climate. With an approximate time-commitment of just 6-10 hours per month, you’ll attend online meetings, with occasional in-person meetings and events. No specialist knowledge needed, just enthusiasm and passion for our dark skies!
These roles are available:
• Chairperson (West Penwith)
• Steering Group Co-ordinator
• Marketing and Communications Lead
• Events and Volunteer Co-ordinator
Download our application packs below for more information on how to apply.
Dark Sky Volunteer Steering Groups
The steering groups come together to coordinate community outreach and engagement events as well as share their knowledge & expertise to safeguard dark skies for the future in Cornwall.
Follow our socials | Instagram – @darkskycornwall | Facebook – @ Dark Sky Cornwall
Find out more about becoming a volunteer below!
Aims goals and objectives
Benefits
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.
People
Example people benefit
Place
Example place benefit
Nature
Example nature benefit
Climate
Example climate benefit
Project Detail
This is the Intro paragraph of the project.
Images
This is the body text of the project.
Through an extensive activity programme and increased interpretation, the project will also connect more people to heritage in the AONB, provide skill development, create jobs and improve the health and wellbeing of local communities.
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Celebrating Cornwall’s stunning night sky: International Dark Sky Week
International Dark Sky Week is an annual 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.
International Dark Sky Week is a chance to celebrate our astronomical heritage, enjoy the night and ensure that future generations can also enjoy the beauty of a star-filled sky.
Hello night sky!
With support from the Access for All grant programme, National Trust has brought an amazing new telescope to the West Penwith International Dark Sky Park partnership, in Section 07 of Cornwall National Landscape.
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
Are you light pollution aware?
As lighting options become more inexpensive and brighter, we are illuminating the night more and more, creating glare and skyglow that destroys critical nocturnal wildlife habitats, harms human health, and diminishes our view of the stars.
Today, 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!
Cornish connections to the cosmos
Cornwall has a rich history of connection with the night sky
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.
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
Check out our Dark Skies Webinar, produced through the Monumental Improvement project, which highlights the importance of raising awareness of Dark Skies as well as how prehistoric communities would have interpreted historic skyscapes
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