What is the Dark Skies WELcome scheme? 

The South Downs National Park Authority is keen to support opportunities that benefit the local economy and invite you to join our Dark Skies Welcome scheme.

The star-studded skies overhead are as valuable as the beautiful rolling landscapes of the  South Downs and in 2016 the South Downs National Park became the world’s 13th International Dark Sky Reserve (IDSR).

 Our Dark Skies Welcome scheme helps you to attract new visitors interested in stargazing, astrophotography, nightscape walks, nocturnal wildlife and Dark Skies events, and to extend the tourism season during the winter and spring seasons when the dark nights are longer.

What’s in it for me?

Will you offer a warm welcome to Dark Skies visitors?

This is how the scheme can benefit you:

• Attract visitors interested in our Dark Skies.
• Join the Dark Skies Welcome online directory on the South Downs National Park website, which includes a short business profile.
• Free use of the Dark Skies Welcome branded icons and artwork which you can use on your own website and promotional materials.
• Become part of a sustainably minded network of businesses based in and around the South Downs National Park.

What can I do to be more Dark Skies friendly?

You could be a Dark skies Friendly Business by:

• Lighting only what you need to
• Where you do light; choose warm white energy efficient bulbs, up to 3000k or 500 lumens
• Use lights that have a cover shield and only direct them down
• Assist visitors with advice and information (e.g. Dark Night Skies ) and best practice on how to enjoy the nightscape, such as bring layers, torch, gloves, flask for hot drinks (if items are not available to borrow).
• Offer additional services where relevant such as flexible check in/check out, flexible breakfast or evening meal times.
• Include your Dark Skies Welcome on your own website and promotional materials.

And that’s it!  Our Dark Skies are for all to enjoy and your support in keeping the night sky a wonder is appreciated.

Join the scheme

If you are already a member of Our South Downs: Sign in and modify the information in the Dark Skies Welcome part of your profile to Yes.

If you are not yet a member of Our South Downs:  Register here, then select Yes in the "Do you want to be a Dark Skies Friendly business" and fill in what you offer that makes you one.