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Isle Of Wight's "Magical" Dark Skies - Comparable To African Desert Says CPRE

Dark Sky

The Isle of Wight's "magical" dark skies are comparable to those seen in African deserts  - and therefore deserve special recognition.

EXCLUSIVE

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The CPRE (Campaign For Rural England) Isle of Wight claims dark skies on the Island are one of the three pillars the charity "cares passionately about".

The pandemic has slowed down the mission of achieving Dark Sky Status for the Island but 'conversations are continuing' with the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) to achieve a ‘reserve status’.

An IDA Dark Sky Reserve is land that possesses exceptional starry nights and is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural, heritage and/or public enjoyment

As exclusively reported by Isle of Wight Radio, the Isle of Wight was previously rejected for recognition when it applied last year. 

To achieve it you need good sightlines which are not blocked by trees or tall buildings.

The Island was refused because of the "complexities" surrounding the istallation of certain street lights.

Isle of Wight Radio understands the new application will focus on dark skies on the South West of the Island, near Brook and Compton.

Sight monitors in those areas -which track the level of light pollution - are said to be comparable to deserts in Africa.

Dark Sky, Ventnor

Dark sky from Ventnor

Dawn Haig-Thomas, Trustee of the CPRE Isle of Wight spoke exclusively to Isle of Wight Radio, she said:

“The Isle of Wight is blessed with some of the darkest, as well as the clearest skies in the UK which is really rather magical and is both good for animals and humans mental welfare, as well as a great attraction for tourists...so there is an economic value to it as well."

The CPRE Isle of Wight is aiming to obtain accreditation from IDA which will enable the Island to boost tourism numbers from astronomers keen to witness superb views of more stars than normally seen from other counties across the Solent.

Asked for a comment, Managing Director of Visit Isle of Wight Will Myles, said:

'There would be clear benefits to the Island's tourism industry of having official Dark Skies status. We always say that the Island is a great place for stargazing, but to have official recognition would add another string to our bow and bring us in line with other popular destinations who have achieved that status.’

A number of mobile Sky Quality Meters (SQMs) are also being deployed by Vectis Astronomical Society members, in order to complement a growing mass of evidence - showing how good the Island's night skies are in terms of clarity and lack of light pollution. 

Each year, the CPRE holds an annual star count, as previously reported, and there were four times more responses from Islanders this year compared to last.

The findings are additional evidence for the Isle of Wight's case to achieve dark sky recognition.

Speaking exclusively to Isle of Wight Radio Dawn added:

“The process [of applying for Dark Sky Status] has gone dormant with COVID but we are very much still in dialogue with the International Dark-Sky Association - who understand the special nature of the Isle of Wight and is very positive in wanting to give us certification.

“We have some complexities over the current street lighting choices that have been made in the darkest areas, so we are trying to understand if - and how we can change some of the light settings.”

Dark Skies CPRE Isle of Wight

CPRE Isle of Wight, night sky photo taken on Isle of Wight

Richard Grogan, Lead Officer for the Isle of Wight AONB told Isle of Wight Radio it is a "slow process", he concluded:

"The International Dark-Sky Association is in America and that's who we need to satisfy - and we welcome any other partners keen to work with us."

How can Islanders reduce light pollution?

  • Think about turning off lights more
  • Don’t leave Christmas lights up all year round
  • Businesses that want concourses lit up overnight for security reasons are urged to find alternatives
  • If you are choosing new lighting for your property, chose lights that shine down

Businesses can apply for the good lighting award, which recognises the ones that make environmentally friendly lighting choices.

Find the Isle of Wight's dark skies calendar here.

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