Robin plays his part in protecting dark skies

Robin plays his part in protecting dark skies

Dark Skies Working Group at the Launch

Strategic Planning Policy Officer, Robin Sandham, was part of a small working group set up with officers from across Wales to produce new guidance on enhancing dark skies across Wales.

The Dark skies: planning guidance | GOV.WALES was launched on 20 February 2025 during Dark Skies Wales Week, which marked its 10^th Anniversary this year.

Conwy’s Cabinet Member for Audit, Policy and Performance, Cllr Chris Cater, said: “Getting lighting at night right for our communities is important for their health and wellbeing, especially those who live in urban areas where night lighting is more prevalent. I’d like to thank Robin for sharing his expertise to help create this important guidance.”

Wales has become the first UK nation to introduce national good practice guidance to help protect its dark skies.

Good Practice Guidance: Planning for the Conservation and Enhancement of Dark Skies will help ensure people’s well-being, while helping both stargazers and wildlife thrive in Wales for generations to come.

Endorsed by the CEO and Executive Director of DarkSky International, it is aimed to assist all involved in planning decisions – such as developers and local authorities – to focus on the right light at the right time in the right place to ensure continued spectacular star-gazing opportunities.

Avoiding light pollution – which wastes money, energy and carbon – also benefits Wales’ cultural heritage and its tourism offer, with the country already renowned for having the highest percentage of protected dark skies in the world.

From Bannau Brycheiniog to Eryri, Wales boasts internationally recognised Dark Sky Reserves where visitors can see up to 2,000 stars at a time, compared to less than 100 in most urban areas, where actions arising from the guidance can make a difference.

Parts of Wales have also earned prestigious designations as a Dark Sky Park, Dark Sky Sanctuary and Dark Sky Community.

CEO and Executive Director of DarkSky International, Ruskin Hartley, said: “DarkSky International congratulates Wales on its leadership in dark sky conservation, celebrating a Decade of Darkness with Eryri National Park’s 10th anniversary as an International Dark Sky Reserve and the launch of groundbreaking Good Practice Guidance to further protect its world-class night skies.”

The guidance was produced through close partnership between Welsh Government, local authorities, Wales’ Designated Landscapes and Natural Resources Wales.

Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: “The night sky is one of our most precious natural treasures, connecting us to countless generations who gazed at the same stars above Wales, and I want to ensure it’s preserved for future generations to discover and cherish.

“Our planning system plays a fundamental role in protecting our celestial heritage, not just for stargazers, but for the countless species that depend on natural darkness for their survival.

“I’m proud that Wales is leading the way by launching this Planning Good Practice Guidance, which will help us all advocate for – and protect – our dark skies.”