Efforts to reduce light pollution across North Yorkshire are gathering pace, with three more communities officially recognised as Dark Skies Friendly.
The villages of Husthwaite in the Howardian Hills, and Lastingham and Sleightholme Dale in the North York Moors, have all gained accreditation — bringing the total number of Dark Skies Friendly Communities to nine, with more expected to follow soon.
The scheme, run jointly by the North York Moors National Park Authority and the Howardian Hills National Landscape, recognises neighbourhoods that take practical steps to reduce light pollution and protect the natural night sky.
It’s estimated that around 2,500 people now live within Dark Skies accredited communities, with Bransdale, Goathland and Botton among those next in line for recognition.
The project is funded by the Howardian Hills Partnership and, in the North York Moors, through Anglo American’s section 106 contributions linked to local development.
Mike Hawtin, the National Park’s Head of Nature Recovery Projects and Dark Skies Lead Officer, said the movement was gaining real momentum.
“We’ve been surprised at just how many communities want to become accredited, but it’s a compelling, do-able aspect of conservation.
“Changing outdoor lighting to be more dark skies friendly is something simple and positive people can do — literally at the flick of a switch. More people now understand how reducing light pollution can benefit tranquillity, wildlife and even human health.”
Communities already accredited include Ampleforth Abbey, and the villages of Coxwold and Hawnby in the North York Moors, along with Bulmer, Crayke and Terrington in the Howardian Hills.
Ellie Hook, manager of the Howardian Hills National Landscape, added: “This scheme has really caught the imagination. Light pollution affects people and wildlife locally and globally. Empowering communities to act has found an enthusiastic audience, and some of the projects supported as part of the scheme look fantastic — showing what can be achieved.”
Launched in 2024, the Dark Skies Friendly Community scheme requires participating areas to carry out lighting audits, replace or adjust fixtures to minimise glare, and ensure at least 60% of lights meet dark skies standards. Each community must also host outreach events, such as evening walks or stargazing sessions.
Across both landscapes, more than 1,000 lighting fixtures have already been replaced or improved.
Mr Hawtin said the movement was about more than just enjoying starry skies.
“Protecting the night sky isn’t just about beauty — it’s about saving energy, improving wellbeing, and safeguarding wildlife. Research shows the abundance of insects and nocturnal pollinators can be reduced by half in brightly lit areas.”
He also praised North Yorkshire Council’s policy of making all street lighting dark skies friendly.
“This is not about plunging us into darkness,” he said. “It’s about using lighting responsibly — only where and when it’s needed.”
The Dark Skies Fringe Festival runs from 24 October to 2 November, with events taking place across the North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales, Howardian Hills, and Nidderdale landscapes.
For more details, visit www.darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk.
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