We've just been awarded Dark Sky Park status by the International Dark Sky Association (IDA) - one of only a handful of such awards in the world! It confirms Galloway as being one of the best places for stargazing anywhere on the planet.
Limited numbers of buildings within the forest park's boundary mean light pollution can be kept to a minimum. The award has attracted a lot of media attention, with our own Keith Muir (head of Recreation and Tourism for FCS in Galloway) in demand from, among others, ITN, local radio and Radio 2's Jeremy Vine.
Work on achieving Dark Sky Park status began back in September 2008, and the formal application was submitted to the IDA six weeks ago. The final awards were decided at the Association's AGM in Phoenix, Arizona, over the weekend just past.
There's more details - and a map of suggested stargazing locations in the park - at www.forestry.gov.uk/darkskygalloway.
To be fully comprehensive, it is worth to tell that IDA also awarded the Dark Sky Park status to Hungary's Zselic National Park beside Galoway. Congratulations to both of them!
ReplyDeletewell done! there is nothing more beautiful than looking up at a star filled sky! *ruthie
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