Maintain the National Park as a place where a true sense of tranquillity, remoteness and solitude can be found, and, by 2021, obtain Dark Sky Reserve status to enhance and promote enjoyment of its night sky. Progress: The application for Reserve status has been submitted. Details of the criteria we have to meet can be found on the Dark Sky website. Press Releases & related articles:1 July 2020 – Dark Sky Reserve bid endorsed Rationale: Dark night skies are one of the special qualities of the National Park. Working towards a ‘Dark Skies’ designation has been strongly supported through the Parish Forums and at the National Park Management Plan Forum in 2017. The designation process would lead to advice and support for individuals, businesses and organisations looking to reduce light pollution as well as a programme of activities to encourage enjoyment of the night skies by locals and visitors. Lead partner: Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority Supporting partners: North Yorkshire County Council; Cumbria County Council; Lancashire County Council; Craven District Council; Eden District Council; Richmondshire District Council; South Lakeland District Council; Parish Councils Further information: YDNPA – Stargazing; Dark Sky Discovery website; International Dark Sky Reserves; YDNPA – Good lighting advice; Cost over 5 years: £100,000 Funding shortfall: None Related objectives: A3; E2 Ecosystem services: Sense of place and inspiration; tranquillity; recreation Trade-offs: Creating a ‘Dark Sky Reserve’ could potentially restrict opportunities for some types of development for tourism (E2) and farming (E9), especially in the more remote, undeveloped parts of the National Park. However, the policies in the Yorkshire Dales Local Plan are already sufficient to comply with designation. Baseline: YDNP is the fourth darkest local authority area in England. 79% of night skies fall in the darkest category.
