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: Dark Sky Reserve status has been achieved.
Press Releases & related articles:
7 December 2020 – Dark Sky Reserve Success for National Parks
9 October 2020 – Local support for Dark Sky Reserve bid
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; YDNPA – Dark Sky;
Cost over 5 years: £100,000
Funding shortfall: None
Ecosystem services: Sense of place and inspiration; tranquillity; recreation
Trade-offs: 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.