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Dark skies

Beautiful moonlit ascent of Ingleborough taken from the summit

Moonlit walk in Yorkshire Dales Rebecca Cole/Alamy

Starry skies are one of the most magical sights the countryside can offer. Light pollution not only limits our views of these skies, but also disrupts wildlife’s natural patterns. We want to reclaim our dark skies.

We run an annual star count, helping us to see where light pollution is a problem and where the darkest skies are. We use this evidence to advocate for better-controlled lighting, and we offer advice about what we can all do to reduce local light pollution.

A dark starry night sky with people silhouetted in the darkness in the foreground

Look for dark skies near you

We’ve gathered data about light levels across the country and created interactive maps showing places where you can enjoy truly dark skies. The maps are also a great way to explore light pollution near you, so that you can take action locally.

Explore the Night Blight maps

Dark skies

Why we’re working for starry, starry skies

CPRE has been a leading voice in championing dark skies nationally for many years. Here’s why it matters.

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Best of the countryside

A man and child look into a dark sky, with the man pointing up

England’s best spots for stargazing

Discover some of the best places in England to enjoy our starry skies.

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Best of the countryside

A woman stands outside Kielder Observatory looking over Kielder Water

Written in the stars

CPRE has long worked for dark skies over our countryside, not least to allow for the breathtaking experience of stargazing. Here, professional star-spotter Gary Fildes shares his journey to becoming a professional astronomer – and what the dark skies over Northumberland mean to him.

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