If you have a fascination with space, then tonight’s the night to head to the South Downs.
Later there will be a chance to look at the stars with telescopes, walk the planets trail and listen to some old-fashioned storytelling.
The events been organised as part of the Dark Skies Festival taking place at the Seven Sisters Country Park this evening.
Dan Oakley, the dark skies expert for the National Park, said: “There’s something for everyone this year, whether you want to get hands-on and see some stunning constellations through a telescope, or you want to connect with nature at night on a tranquil walk.
“The fact we have this precious Dark Sky reserve in the heart of the South East is amazing, given the proximity to London and the cities of the south coast. We have some incredibly dark patches that allow you to see so much of the universe with just the naked eye and it’s an experience we want everyone to have the opportunity to enjoy. The South Downs landscape is incredible enough, but look up, and there’s another dimension to explore. It’s an opportunity to connect with nature on its biggest scale – the universe itself.
“The importance of dark skies for wildlife cannot be overstated. Mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and insects all rely on the natural rhythms of daylight and darkness and protecting our dark skies will be vital if we’re to restore biodiversity in the National Park.”
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