Snowdonia granted dark sky status

Updated
Snowdonia granted dark sky status
Snowdonia granted dark sky status



Snowdonia National Park has become Wales' second destination to be awarded dark sky status.

This means the sky above the Snowdonia National Park will receive special protection and the highest efforts to keep light pollution reduced.

It joins the Brecon Beacons to become one of only 10 locations worldwide to be designated as an international dark sky reserve.

See also: Pylons to be removed from protected landscapes

See also: Amazing pictures of the Milky Way over the Isle of Wight


Dark sky status is only awarded to locations with the highest quality of night air making them ideal for stargazing.

Emyr Williams, Chief Executive of Snowdonia National Park Authority told VisitWales: "Receiving this designation is very good news for the residents, businesses, visitors and the wildlife of Snowdonia.

"Unfortunately, the opportunity to enjoy the night sky and its stars is in decline, the living patterns of nocturnal creatures are dwindling and as light pollution is rising, it contributes to these deteriorations.

"However, with this designation, the area's wildlife will be improved, the quality of the environment will be protected, there will be a new natural attraction to attract new visitors to Snowdonia on quiet periods of the year, the local economy will be improved and the dark sky above Snowdonia will be protected for future generations."

The BBC reports that the successful bid was announced at the Dark Sky Institute in Arizona.

According to the Daily Post, its director John Barentine said: "I sincerely congratulate Snowdonia National Park on becoming an International Dark Sky Reserve, the tenth throughout the world.

"Wales now leads the world in the percentage of its territory enjoying protected status for its night skies: as of today, these protections now encompass nearly 18% of the Wales' land area.

"Nowhere else has achieved comparable success in recognising the value of night time darkness and taking concrete steps to safeguard it for future generations."

Find out more about Snowdonia National Park at visitwales.com.

The 10 International Dark Sky Reserves are:
Aoraki Mackenzie (New Zealand)
Brecon Beacons National Park (Wales)
National Park Exmoor (England)
Kerry (Ireland)
Mont-Megantic (Quebec)
Nature Reserve NamibRand (Namibia)
Pic du Midi (France)
Rhon (Germany)
Snowdonia National Park (Wales)
Westhavelland (Germany)



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