Can York become the UK’s first Dark Sky City?

The Dark Skies movement might conjure up images of stargazing in remote rural areas, but there is an increasing call for urban spaces to be part of it too.  

York St John University is now bringing together leading dark sky experts, academics and artists for an illuminating evening of discussion, reflections and film. Taking place at York St John Creative Centre on Tuesday 4 March, The Dark Matters is part of the North York Moors National Park's tenth anniversary Dark Sky Festival celebrations.  

The free event will explore how York could become more dark sky friendly and combat the growing crisis of light pollution. York St John University is leading the charge and has begun work to make the main campus on Lord Mayor’s Walk dark skies friendly.  

Why Dark Skies Matter  

The Dark Matters will challenge attendees to rethink the way we use light, highlighting the urgent need for action against excessive artificial light, which negatively impacts wildlife, human health and the environment. 

Did you know that: 

• Excessive artificial lighting in urban areas contributes to the climate crisis, wasting energy and increasing carbon emissions 
• Well-designed, warm-toned lighting not only enhances safety but also reduces crime  
• Moths, which pollinate a third of all plants, are highly vulnerable to artificial light, disrupting ecosystems  
• Hedgehogs are naturally light-averse but when fed in lit areas begin to associate light with food and can cease to fear it. This leads to wandering onto roads 
• Lighting hedgerows in gardens reduces nocturnal biodiversity by up to 80% 
• The loss of dark skies is accelerating at an alarming rate—some places see up to a 10% increase in light pollution annually 
• LED lighting (bright white and blue light) is linked to an increased risk of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease in humans  
• Only 1% of light in the Northern Hemisphere is useful - 99% is wasted light 

Inspiring discussion and film screening  

The event’s expert panel will discuss how we can all contribute to creating better environments in both urban and natural settings.  

The discussion will be chaired by Dr Jen Hall, Associate Professor of Tourism and Events at York St John University, whose research looks at how public engagement with dark sky festivals supports conservation goals. Other panellists include: 

Mike Hawtin, Head of Nature Recovery at North York Moors National Park, who will share insights into the National Park’s pioneering Dark Sky conservation work and the creation of a Northern Dark Skies Alliance. 

Richard Darn, Dark Skies Consultant, Astronomer and Activist, who will highlight practical ways for individuals and cities to reclaim the night and mitigate climate change. 

Dr Claire Hind, Professor of Contemporary Theatre, York St John University, who will discuss her creative work linking geological landscapes with the night sky. 

Sarah Williams, Energy and Environmental Projects Officer, York St John University, who will outline the University’s commitment to becoming a 'Dark Sky Campus.’ 

Dr Brendan Paddison, Associate Professor and Interim Dean, York Business School, York St John University, who will explore how dark sky festivals play a role in conservation efforts. 

Attendees will also have the chance to view The Dark Matters film, which captures the research and findings of Drs Hall and Paddison. 

Dr Jen Hall, Associate Professor of Tourism and Events at York St John University said:  

“Yorkshire is a hub of Dark Skies activity with fantastic efforts to reduce light pollution. More than a third of Yorkshire's land area is under some form of dark sky designation, with a handful of villages now included too. But as yet the UK has no Dark Sky city. 

“We believe York has the potential, knowledge and impetus to be the first. By coming together, we can protect our night skies for future generations and make York a model for responsible lighting in cities across the UK.” 

Sarah Williams Energy and Environmental Projects Officer, York St John University said: 

"As part of our commitment to sustainability, we’ve begun surveying the campus to identify areas where we can reduce light pollution and support Dark Skies principles. Our goal is to implement warmer, directional lighting that minimises waste light and protects our biodiversity-rich areas, such as ponds and wildflower meadows.  

“By making these changes, we’re not only improving energy efficiency but also creating a healthier environment for both wildlife and our University community."  

Mike Hawtin, Head of Nature Recovery Projects and Dark Skies Conservation lead at the North York Moors National Park Authority said: 

"Protecting from the impacts of sky glow doesn’t stop within the National Park, and rural residents shouldn’t be the only ones taking the threat seriously as most of the biggest light polluters are our towns and cities. Light as a pollutant knows no boundaries but unlike particulates in the air we breathe or microplastics in the water we consume, light pollution is easy to fix, it saves us money and reduces carbon emissions.  

“The multiple benefits of protecting Dark Skies continue, to cherishing our heritage and culture, inspiring our children and delivering economic benefits to many local communities. The discussion is never ever about banning the light we all need for a wide range of reasons. It’s about sensitive responsible use, to light only what we need, only when we need it and at a level suitable to that need.” 

Richard Darn, a dark sky advocate who works with protected landscapes including the North York Moors National Park and Yorkshire Dales, said:   

"The dark sky movement has picked up pace in recent years as we realise that a healthy nighttime environment is vital for wildlife as well as humans. But against this is a tide of new lighting that is spreading light pollution, especially in urban and semi-rural areas.   

“A broad coalition of organisations has come together to help foster a sea-change in attitude, and our local designated landscapes, including the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales, are part of that shift.  These impressive projects have undertaken to show that dark sky friendly lighting is the way ahead for town as well as country.  And this has gone hand in hand along with a tremendous public outreach effort over the last decade. I hope this event at York St John University - in the heart of the city - will help carry the debate forward." 

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, city planner, academic, or concerned citizen, this event is a unique opportunity to learn about the dark sky movement and how we can all help reduce light pollution. 

Booking is via Eventbrite

Image credit: Brendan Paddison