CORNWALL Council is asking people for their views on proposals to have Bodmin Moor recognised as an International Dark Sky Park. 

Cornwall Council and Caradon Observatory are holding a month long consultation on their proposed bid to have Bodmin Moor recognised as a Gold standard International Dark Sky Park, which is comparable to World Heritage Site status.  The Area of Outstanding National Beauty Unit and the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) also support the proposed bid.  If there is public support for the bid, the Council will submit it this summer. 

Edwina Hannaford, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for planning, said: ‘I’m thrilled with this initiative.  It mixes the ageless fascination and romance of the stars with real science and learning, and it has tangible opportunities for tourism too. 

‘Recent observatory data shows that the quality of the night sky over Bodmin Moor is amongst the best in the world.  Achieving recognition of this through an International Dark Sky Park designation would help protect the night sky from light pollution and bring other benefits, including providing a focus for awareness and learning about the stars and solar systems, a further draw for visitors to the area and a starrier sky for local residents.’

International Dark Sky Parks must be a protected landscape, and Bodmin Moor is already designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. They must also demonstrate a high quality night sky, provide an awareness and education opportunity and have a management plan to minimise light pollution.  Currently there are only three International Dark Sky Parks in the UK, the Elan Valley Estate in Wales, Galloway Forest Park in Scotland and Northumberland National Park and Kielder Water and Forest Park in England.

Dr Wayne Thomas, one of Caradon Observatory’s amateur astronomers, said: ‘The quality of the skies at the observatory shows how important it is to maintain such a beautiful and natural gift. Making sure that artificial light is kept at a sensible level throughout the moor is just one part of preserving the heritage, natural landscape and biodiversity for future generations to enjoy.’

If the bid goes ahead, residents and businesses on Bodmin Moor would be encouraged to manage lighting better so that it can do what it needs to without harming the night sky. 

No one would have to change their existing lights. Instead people would be provided with a guide for dark sky friendly lighting to help them choose appropriate lights when they need to replace old lights or fit new ones.

There will also be a public consultation event at Jamaica Inn on Friday, April 15 from 6pm to 7pm.  The event will start with a presentation featuring exceptional celestial imagery taken on the moor. 

It will also include information on the benefits of Dark Sky Park status, details of the dark sky friendly lighting that would be encouraged, and a chance for people to share their views. 

Anyone can comment on the proposals at the consultation event or by writing to Dark Sky Bid, Cornwall Council, Local Plan Team, Pydar House, Pydar Street, Truro TR1 1XU or emailing the c­ouncil on [email protected]  The consultation runs until May 2.  For more information, about the consultation, ring 01872 224309.