The Friends want to set up a dark sky reserve

Would you like to join the quest to find Cumbria’s darkest place?

The Friends of the Lake District are looking for volunteers to measure just how dark the area’s night skies are, with a view to setting up a dark sky reserve.

The organisation said it is leading the work to create such an internationally recognised reserve, but needs help to determine the best venues.

Dark Skies officer Johanna Korndorfer said: “We want to ascertain just how good our dark skies are, as well as where they could be better. This will help determine where we can create a ‘dark sky reserve’ within Cumbria.

“Committed volunteers are needed to take dark sky meter readings in five different places around the county. We’ll pick areas closest to where you live and train you on how to use the meter readers and when to take the readings. The data will then be added to our evolving map of dark sky readings.

“Volunteers will go out and take meter readings in pairs, which is safer and more fun. The first round of readings will be taken between 23 and 30 November, when the skies are darkest at the time of no moonlight.”

Anyone interested in volunteering is asked to email Ms Korndorfer. Training will take place in mid-November. More information on the project can be found on the Friends of the Lake District website.