Outdoor Explore Wales

Here is something you may not know…

The Brecon Beacons National Park has been a Dark Sky Reserve since 2013.

There are only 2 in Wales, 7 in the UK and only 20 in the World – so it’s pretty special!

What’s a Dark Sky Reserve?

An IDA International Dark Sky Reserve is a public or private land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural, heritage and/or public enjoyment.

A great way to really appreciate the Dark Sky above the Brecon Beacons is to join our NIGHT CANAL PADDLE, which you can do by clicking HERE

To find out more about the Dark Sky Reserves, you can visit the official website: DarkSky.org

Despite our cities’ lights looking really pretty at night, they aren’t great for the environment and local wildlife and ecosystems.

They also make star gazing tricky as your eyes can’t adjust. 

These fascinating maps show the extent of light pollutoin from artifical light around the world.

https://blue-marble.de/nightlights/2012

 https://cires.colorado.edu/artificial-sky

Night Paddles like our full moon paddle… HERE

The International Dark-Sky Association works to protect the night skies for present and future generations, so lets get out for a paddle and appreciate the work the Brecon Beacons National Park is doing fo the night skies. And when better than during a full moon! Join a FULL MOON PADDLE!

https://www.darksky.org/our-work/conservation/idsp/reserves/breconbeacons/

The Brecon Beacons National Park are running a Dark Sky Festival from 23rd to 25th September 2022

Find out more about this year’s DARK SKIES FESTIVAL by clicking HERE

What’s more exciting, is we are running special ‘Dark Sky Night Paddles’ through the festival, with a meet up with an astronomer who will tell us what we can see! Book a NIGHT PADDLE during the festival… HERE

Want to see where all the other Dark Sky Reserves are?

https://www.darksky.org/our-work/conservation/idsp/reserves/

Keep up to date with the Dark Skies folk

Facebook @IDAdarksky

Instagram  @idadarksky