
It’s not often that we get to see the full expanse of the night sky in Manchester city centre, but as you go further out, with less light pollution, more and more is revealed. One of these places is the Forest of Bowland, just over an hour’s drive from Manchester, which is hosting its annual Dark Skies Festival, celebrating the practice of stargazing.
Starting on Monday 17th February and running through until Saturday 22nd, the Forest of Bowland National Landscape (formerly Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) Dark Skies Festival will highlight the fantastic starscapes above Bowland, plus some of the area’s nocturnal inhabitants, alongside exploring the international career of a local astronomer and offering a fun, family-friendly creative afternoon.
Discover the fascinating career of Preston-born astronomer, Frank Holden, on 17th February, with an online talk from Preston & District Astronomical Society. Frank’s astronomical journey began at the age of ten, and his career took him from Lancashire to the United States and South Africa before returning to the UK.
18th February offers a chance to visit Frank’s workplace of almost 20 years – the Jeremiah Horrocks Observatory, based in Moor Park in Preston. View the historic Cooke 8-inch refractor telescope, enjoy a talk on the night sky and – weather permitting – step outside for some winter stargazing.
Head to Downham for a fun, family-friendly session with artist, Keith Pilkington, on the afternoon of 19th February. Using pastels, chalks and paint, let Keith fire your creativity and go home with some fantastic night-sky inspired artwork.
Explore the after-dark world of Forestry England’s Gisburn Forest on the evening of Thursday 20th February. A number of all-terrain wheelchairs will be available for pre-booking, offering a great chance to experience this lovely location in an accessible way.
Learn about one of our most recognisable nocturnal creatures – the badger – on the morning of 21st February when Lancashire County Council ranger, Paul Shoreman, leads a guided walk in Ribchester. The Wild By Nature Explorers session in Dunsop Bridge on Saturday 22nd has proved very popular and is already fully booked, but places can still be reserved on their waiting list.
Sandra Silk, Forest of Bowland National Landscape Project Officer said: “We’re so lucky that the relatively low levels of light pollution in Bowland let us see our night skies in all their glory.
“Whether you’re looking for astronomy, wildlife, family fun, or simply being inspired by the beauty of Bowland after dark, we hope you’ll find something to tempt you along during our night sky-themed week of events.”
Covering 800 square kilometres (300 sq miles) of rural Lancashire and North Yorkshire, Bowland’s distinctive landscape of high open fells, rich green lowlands and steep, wooded cloughs was recognised as being amongst the finest in the country and given its official status on 10 February 1964.
You can find more information and book individual events at the Dark Skies Festival here.