How to Play Your Part

How to Play Your Part

There are all sorts of ways to take action and care for our dark skies. We all lead busy lives so even if you only have a few seconds, you can still play your part and  embrace the darkness.

Below are some suggestions, broken down into the approximate time it might take to do them – even the smallest actions make a huge difference!

• 15-30 seconds

  When you are home at night, have a look around your home – are there any lights that aren’t needed?  If so, turn them off!  It also saves on your electricity bill!

  If you do need lights on (and we absolutely do at times), draw the curtains, pull the blinds, shut the shutters!  Prevent the light from spilling outside as much as possible to support our Dark Skies.

  If you have outdoor lights on in your garden, balcony or green space, remember to turn them off when you are finished enjoying the outside spaces.

  

• 5 minutes

  It’s important for our own circadian rhythms to spend time outdoors during the day and night.  Take a step outside during daylight and then again at night to allow your body to adjust to the cycles of day and night.  What do you notice about being outside at these different times?

  

• 10 minutes

  Do a survey of your home lighting needs.

  DarkSky International have this helpful home light assessment.  

  By following the four simple steps, you can reduce light pollution around your home, creating a healthier nighttime environment for plants, animals, and people alike.

  

• 30 minutes

  Get green fingers!

  Plant native wildflower seeds in a section of your garden or green space to support nocturnal wildlife.  Include day-flowering plants to support baby nocturnal pollinators (also essential for feeding birds and bats), night-flowering plants to support nocturnal pollinators, or even create a moon garden for your own enjoyment!

  

• 1 hour

  If you have a garden or green space, you could install a bat box to provide a home for local bats. If you’re feeling particularly ambitious, why not build your own?

  You could also go to an event with your local astronomy group. Check out this page to find out which group is closest to you.

  

• 2 hours +

  Throw your own star party with friends and family to introduce them to the wonders of the night sky!

  Become a DarkSky Advocate with DarkSky International, and/or get involved with the local UK chapter, DarkSky UK.

  We also have a Dark Skies volunteering group who help us to monitor the skies at night over the National Park. Find out more about our volunteering opportunities here.

  

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