Fingers across Sussex are being kept firmly crossed for the South Downs’ application to become a dark sky reserve.
If successful, the park would become one of only a handful of designated ‘International Dark Sky Reserves’ across the world. It would join an elite club that includes sites in New Zealand, Wales and Africa.
Aside from a prestigious title, being designated as a dark sky reserve would encourage residents of the South Downs to think about what lights they are using.
Stargazers across the county say lights from residential gardens contribute to light pollution across the South Downs – but new Dark Sky status should help dim the view.
And it’s not just astronomers who will benefit from the recognition. A large proportion of the wildlife on the South Downs is nocturnal and light pollution messes with their eating and reproduction habits. Good luck to the South Downs National Park Authority.
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