Praise for 'magic' of Dark Skies Festival activities on moor

THOUSANDS of visitors have celebrated the magic of Exmoor’s night skies during two weeks of captivating events.

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Exmoor was designated Europe's first International Dark Sky Reserve back in 2011, and now hosts over 60 activities every year.

From planetarium sessions to lakeside campfire storytelling, Dark Skies Yoga, and astronomy suppers, the Exmoor Dark Skies festival offered opportunities to learn and explore under the stars.

Dark Sky International recently certified its 250th ‘International Dark Sky Place! The programme spans six continents, protecting more than 196,000 square kilometres of nocturnal landscapes and the starry skies above.

The Exmoor Dark Skies Festival, which concluded earlier this month, chimes with the programme's aims to preserve a cherished natural resource and cultural heritage, as well as promoting the importance of responsible lighting for nocturnal wildlife and human health. Many events aim to be family-friendly and accessible, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and nature connection.