Dark Sky Threat

I read with horror the story that Astronomers and land charities have warned that Britain's only Dark Sky Park (pictured) is being threatened by applications for wind turbines. Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park (DSP), in Scotland, secured its 'Dark Sky' status in 2009. But now the Astronomer Royal for Scotland, the John Muir Trust and the Scottish Wild Land Group have written to the Scottish government, asking it to rule out wind farms in the vicinity.

It seems there have been nine proposals for turbines near the park's observatory. Some of the applications had been rejected, but having one approved could open the door for further development. The MOD and Aviation Authority safety requirements mean that wind turbines must be illuminated by infra-red light and, in some areas used regularly for training or search and rescue, visible light illumination may also be needed. Turbines near the Gallway dark sky park could fall into the latter category, and the campaigners said it would affect both the ability of astronomers to use sensitive equipment, and the visibility of stars, galaxies, comets and northern lights. The group has called for the park to be given protection similar to that afforded to areas of wild land, and has called on the Scottish government to update planning policy to rule out the construction of wind farms around the park.

This facility is the only Dark Sky Park in Britain, although both Exmoor and the Brecon Beacons national parks have been awarded Dark Sky Reserve status. Gallway DSP is also home to the world's only publicly accessible, research-grade observatory within a Gold Tier Dark Sky Park. Problem we have is the DSP was open by the Scottish government and praised for being a first, this same government is also pushing renewables such as wind turbines.

I urge anyone out there with an interest is saving our Dark Sky Park to get involved in promoting this threat to our world class site. If we loose it, we wont ever get it back