Good news from the North York Moors Tourism Team
It has just been announced that the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Parks have been designated International Dark Sky Reserves. Together we become one of the largest areas in Europe to be simultaneously designated.Combined, the two parks cover 1,396 sq miles, and achieved the status after a five-year campaign. Dark sky reserve designation is granted by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), the foremost authority on light pollution, based in Tucson, Arizona. To be designated, an area must undergo a rigorous process to prove the exceptional quality of its nocturnal environment as well as showing strong community support, encouraging the take-up of dark-sky-friendly lighting and facilitating educational activities.
Not just wonderful news for dark sky conservation, it presents wonderful opportunities for visitors , including the annual Dark Skies Festival (February 12th - 28th 2021). We will not be holding an event at Partridge Nest for the 2021 festival, as it would involve indoor gathering, but there are already plenty of outdoor events planned https://www.northyorkmoors.org... and you might like to book a pod or the cottage so you can stay over in the park and get your stargazing fix from dusk to dawn.