Wales, affectionately known as the land of song, is a nation that consistently surpasses expectations, achieving feats in fields as diverse as sports, arts, and now dark sky astronomy. Nestled between England and the Irish Sea, this small yet formidable country is renowned for its profound cultural heritage, awe-inspiring landscapes, and passionate people.
Wales has added another feather to its cap, this time reaching for the stars – quite literally. As the first European country to be recognised as a ‘Dark Sky Sanctuary’ by the International Dark Sky Association (IDSA), Wales has somewhat steadied its wavering commitment to preserving and celebrating natural beauty, extending its care beyond its verdant valleys, breathtaking coastline, and majestic mountains to the very heavens above. Wales has the highest percentage of land (18%) protected by Dark Skies status on Earth!
A celestial achievement for Wales
This time, the narrative isn’t about Wales’ alluring folklore, fierce dragons, or the spirit-lifting chants from its iconic sporting stadiums. It concerns something far grander, more eternal and celestial.
The prestigious title of Dark Sky Sanctuary commends places with starry nights so splendid they can inspire sonnets, igniting a cosmic passion and awe in the most earthbound among us. It acknowledges places where the night sky is kept non-commercially pristine, unhampered by light pollution. This accolade attests to Wales’ commitment to preserving places for those who wish to behold the cosmos in all its majesty.
Ynys Enlli, also known as Bardsley Island, is a small island two miles off the Llŷn Peninsula in North Wales. It has a rich history, dating back to the sixth century CE, when it became home to several religious sites. These have been preserved over the centuries, making the island a significant historical landmark.
The island’s isolation not only protects its historical charm but significantly reduces light pollution, making the night sky exceptionally clear. A nearby mountain blocks light from mainland Wales. So it’s a haven for stargazers, offering a unique opportunity to observe celestial bodies in their full glory. Its remoteness lets visitors disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature and the universe.
The unique combination of historical significance, natural beauty, and celestial clarity on Ynys Enlli makes it a highlight among Welsh Dark Sky Sanctuary treasures – a place of distinction for astronomical observation. But there are in fact far more dark sky preserves to be discovered throughout Wales, including a community dark sky initiative.
The significance of stars
You may be asking, “But what does this mean?” as a spark of curiosity ignites within you. Well, I invite you to buckle up, dust off your telescopes, and prepare for a fascinating journey into the cosmos. A Dark Sky Sanctuary isn’t just an impressive title to be casually thrown around.
In essence, it’s a profound testament to an unwavering commitment to generations yet unborn. More than just a moniker, it’s a solemn promise, a pledge etched in the stars, that the cosmic spectacles we marvel at today will remain untarnished and continue to inspire wonder and awe in our descendants.
Yet it’s also about more than preserving the beauty of the night sky. It’s a stark acknowledgement of the ongoing battle against the relentless force of light pollution, a pervasive and insidious issue plaguing our planet. This global problem is gradually obscuring our view of the cosmos, severing our connection to the celestial bodies that once guided our ancestors, and dimming the natural lights that inspired countless generations of poets, philosophers, and scientists.
So when we talk about Dark Sky Sanctuaries, we’re really talking about preserving our heritage and our connection to the universe. And the inspirational power of those mesmerising diamonds twinkling and dancing across the expansive, inky black canvas of night. Something we can still use to find our way, in a number of senses.
While Wales has become a veritable sanctuary for those captivated by tracing constellations or spotting remote planets, its boon extends beyond the benefits to stargazers. This is a significant step for the cause of environmental conservation more broadly.
Endangered dark sky
Light pollution, the errant child of modern human activities, doesn’t just obstruct our view of the cosmos of which we’re a part as it casts its hazy glow over our cities. Artificial light wreaks havoc on astronomical research, meddles with ecosystems by disrupting the natural rhythms of wildlife, and even has adverse health effects on us humans. It disrupts our sleep, and it increases CO2 – contributing to climate change.
The IDSA, the knights in shining armour for our night skies, has been battling light pollution since 1988. It offers guidance on how to reduce this celestial blight and preserve access to our night skies for generations to come. In 2001 it founded the International Dark Sky Places (IDSPs) project to encourage more communities to restore and protect dark skies through alternative lighting and education.
Due to the growth of industrial cities and populations, research has found that 80% of the world lies under light-polluted skies, impairing their views of the cosmos. This is true for an astonishing 99% of European and US populations.
So dark sky sanctuaries are typically tucked away in isolated locations with little to no human traffic. As well as providing breathtaking views of the night sky, they act as safe havens for threatened species or delicate ecosystems, making them preserves of peacefulness in our constantly hectic world.
Not only does Wales have three IDSPs, but two are among only 18 of the geographically largest on the planet – known as International Dark Sky Reserves. Bannau Brycheiniog National Park was the first area in Wales – and the fifth in the world – to gain this status. It’s easily accessed by car from the light-polluted cities of Cardiff and Swansea, yet offers stunning night skies.
Welsh astronomy tourism
Head north to enjoy the only Dark Sky Park (a mini-IDSP) in Wales at the Elan Valley Estate. It’s owned by Dŵr Cymru (Welsh Water), so its 70-square miles contains large reservoirs. As well as being an area of sites of special scientific interest and wildlife conservation, its street lamps have been altered to reduce light pollution and improve dark sky accessibility.
Further north again, Eryri National Park is considered one of the darkest places in Britain. If you spot an astronomer, which isn’t hard to do there, you could ask for some tips on the best places from which to enjoy the space scenery.
There are many more dark sky viewpoints throughout Wales. You could plan a dark sky pilgrimage at any time of year, though autumn and winter nights are best, especially for meteor showers. Wales Dark Skies Week is celebrated every February.
So, when considering your next travel destination, why not think a bit out of the box? Pack a warm blanket, fill a thermos with your favourite hot drink, and set your sights on Wales for a mesmerising night under its starlit skies. You can witness the resplendent Milky Way, spot the remote planets dotting our solar system, or trace the intricate patterns of the constellations that served as guiding lights for our ancestors. Reconnect with the cosmos, and make a wish on a falling star.
Trust me, this unique adventure will be an experience that not only leaves you starry-eyed but also filled with a sense of wonder at the vastness of the universe. It will surely be a memory that will be etched in your mind, something you’ll recall and cherish for many years to come.
