Saturday, February 15, 2025

Dan Oakley Commends North Yorkshire’s Dark Skies Initiative

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Dan Oakley, chair of the committee advising DarkSky International, praised the collaborative efforts of the North York Moors National Park and Howardian Hills National Landscape in their initiative to promote dark skies in local communities, calling their approach a potential model for others. The commendation follows the addition of historic Ampleforth Abbey to the Dark Skies Friendly Community scheme, funded by Anglo American, which aims to reduce light pollution through comprehensive lighting audits and retrofitting of fixtures. Several villages, including Coxwold, Bulmer, Crayke, and Terrington, have also received similar accreditation, and ongoing projects in other parishes indicate a growing commitment to dark sky conservation. With thousands of external lights altered and increased community engagement, these areas are significantly advancing efforts to protect the night sky. The Dark Skies Festival is currently ongoing, highlighting the importance of this initiative across the region.

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