Nowadays, with the rise in popularity of outdoor night-time experiences, so-called noctourism, there could be just as much justification in directing them to ultra-dark, quiet countryside locations where the only light comes from the moon or the canopy of stars.
Whether it’s experiencing how every sense sharpens up more when walking in a natural landscape at night; the awe and intrigue that come with looking at a majestic star-filled sky; or simply enjoying sitting round a firepit with friends, there’s no doubting a new nightlife is emerging.
At the forefront of this are the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Parks, both of which recently celebrated their fifth anniversary of becoming International Dark Sky Reserves, and the Howardian Hills and Nidderdale National Landscapes.
The ever-popular Dark Skies Festival which, this year, runs from February 13 to March 1, has often acted as a curtain-raiser, showcasing the hard work that goes into protecting and enhancing the night sky; and ways that people can embrace the dark.
This year is no exception as the North York Moors National Park will be unveiling its new observatory, the Dark Skies Station, at Danby Lodge National Park Centre.
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How the new observatory at Danby Lodge National Park will look (Image: Supplied)
As well as housing a powerful telescope, the retractable-roofed station, which will be fully accessible and boasts solid sustainability credentials, will also house a ‘Discover the Universe’ mini exhibition. This will be multi-sensory, with audio visual elements and objects to touch, such as pieces of meteor rock. Other panels will describe why better artificial lighting is needed to protect wildlife and the night as a whole, not just the sky itself.
Outside, people will be able to wrap up warm and sit on one of the benches where, at the touch of a button, a sound post will explain what’s happening in the night sky, play a dark skies-themed poem, or relay historical or scientific facts about the night. A Star Wheel panel will also provide people with information on what they’re seeing as they look up at the skies above.
The new facility adds to the Nature & Star Hub at Sutton Bank, which opened a couple of years ago, and other existing observatories in Whitby and Dalby Forest, as well as the Lime Tree Observatory at Grewelthorpe in Nidderdale.
These facilities, together with a growing number of Dark Skies Friendly Communities and accommodation providers, plus groups organising night walks, offer more than just a chance to stargaze. They provide spaces where people can experience what’s special about the night for their own wellbeing.
With more studies showing how artificial light disrupts the natural rhythms of the human body, whether it’s interrupting sleep or impacting metabolic functions, there’s a growing recognition that exposure to darkness and experiencing the natural world’s transition from light to dark is good for us.
Darkness has to overcome its own image problem though, particularly the safety aspect that drives people indoors as soon as twilight falls. York St John University academics, Claire Hind and Jenny Hall, who are both holding events at the festival, are aiming to show how women can overcome the feeling of being excluded from walking at night because of safety fears.
They’re researching how venturing out after dark can actually be used as a creative, embodied practice and by producing new creative walking music, they’re hoping to open up new possibilities for women to walk together leisurely and freely in spaces such as National Parks.
Similarly, this year’s festival will also put a spotlight on the ancient art of Dusking, a mindfulness technique originating in the Netherlands, where families would gather and sit outside at twilight to do nothing except observe how daytime transitioned to night, as a way of slowing down after a busy day and reconnecting with the natural world.
As Vicky Burton, marketing officer for the North York Moors National Park, puts it: ‘The Dark Skies Festival embodies all aspects of our nightlife, from the beauty of the stars through to the wildlife that depends on darkness. It helps people get a new perspective on the landscape, even if they know the area well.
‘Importantly though, it is also about boosting people’s confidence in finding safe spaces where they can benefit from spending time outdoors after dark, whether it’s joining an organised event, walking in a Dark Skies Community, such as Ampleforth Abbey, or simply finding a perfect bench in the National Park for a twilight gathering.’
Highlights of the Dark Skies Festival programme
Sutton Bank – White Horse Dark Skies Circuit Walk.
Described by James Herriot as ‘the finest view in England’, this is the perfect place to begin your dark skies adventure. February 13, 4.30pm-6.30pm.
Whitby Night Photography Workshop
Join local landscape photographer Richard Burdon and learn how to shoot stunning images of the lights reflected in the calm waters of Whitby harbour. February 13 and 14, 7pm-10pm
Goathland – Night Walking in Heartbeat Country.
Experience starry skies and the sounds of nocturnal life after dark with an expert walk leader who will guide the way. February 21, 4.30pm-6.30pm
Cities Under Stars – Tackling Light Pollution
An evening of discussion, performance and reflection with leading international dark-sky experts, artists and academics, exploring how cities can become more dark-sky-friendly. February 25, 6.30pm until 8pm
Festival Stars at Sutton Bank
Held at The Hub at Sutton Bank National Park Centre, explore the universe under dark National Park skies. The moon will loom large overhead, casting a magical light over the winter landscape. There will be telescopes to spy craters, mountains and lava flows. Staged in collaboration with Go Stargazing! February 28, 7.30pm until 10pm
For more Dark Skies Festival programme details, including booking information, go to darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk
Dark Skies friendly accommodation
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The Green at Lastingham (Image: Supplied)
The Green, Lastingham
Stay in one of the newest Dark Skies Communities by booking The Green, an 18th cottage in the heart of Lastingham, where you can sit in a deckchair armed with a telescope, blankets, red stargazing torch and a guide to the night sky. lastinghamgreen.co.uk
The Station Inn, Ribblehead
Next to the Ribblehead Viaduct, one of the most popular astro photography spots in the Yorkshire Dales, The Station Inn provides a welcoming base with comfortable rooms and a roaring fire in the bar. thestationinnribblehead.com
Cliff House Holiday Cottages, Ebberston
The clearing in the Wishing Well Wood at Cliff House Holiday Cottages is perfect for sitting around the firepit with the family for a twilight gathering, before retreating back indoors. cliffhouseholidaycottages.co.uk
Ashes Farm, Selside, near Settle
See the night sky above the Yorkshire Dales in all its glory while staying in one of the lodges or cottages at Ashes Farm. Either book one of the specific Dark Skies weekends or pre-order one of the farm’s stargazing hampers for a spot of DIY night gazing. ashesfarmholidayaccommodation.co.uk
Prospect House Farm, Suffield, near Scalby
Couples can stay in one of two luxury en-suite glamping cabins positioned on wooden platforms to the make the most of views across the rolling countryside. Each have a wraparound balcony and a hot tub. prospecthousefarm.co.uk
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