Issue 87 - August 2022
NOAA Seeks Public Comment on Restoration Blueprint for Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
By Rachel Plunkett
One of the most significant marine conservation initiatives in the world—restoring sensitive habitats and managing resources in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary—is one step closer today as NOAA released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“proposed rule”) and draft revised management plan, together known as the “Restoration Blueprint.”
The proposed rule is the next step in the comprehensive review and update of the sanctuary’s boundary, regulations, and marine zones, which were last thoroughly updated in 1997. The draft management plan, last revised in 2007, focuses on six key themes: adaptive management, water quality, restoration, visitor use management, enforcement, and stewardship.
A National Treasure at Risk
The clear, blue and turquoise waters of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary contain part of the only coral barrier reef in the continental United States, the largest documented contiguous seagrass community in the Northern Hemisphere, hard-bottom habitat, sand and mud flats, and an array of submerged historical and cultural resources. Mangrove-fringed shorelines hug the shallow coastal waters and protect the narrow and low-lying island chain from storm surge and erosion, while providing a living habitat for fish, invertebrates, and birds. Each of the above-mentioned components of the 3,800 square-mile sanctuary are ecologically connected, requiring a comprehensive plan for resto
The resources in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary are increasingly under threat from hurricanes, diseases, vessel groundings, rising ocean temperatures, pollution, and human interactions. The 2011 sanctuary condition report showed that the habitats and resources were continuing to be degraded, and since then tourism has continued to increase, putting added pressure on these fragile resources. Additionally, Hurricane Irma caused massive damage in 2017, and the sanctuary and its partners have been responding to a serious coral disease outbreak and a seagrass die-off. These issues are especially concerning for a community that relies on a beautiful and healthy ecosystem to support jobs. Fifty-four percent of local jobs are supported by tourism, and commercial fisheries account for 5-8% of the total income or jobs. All together, tourism in the Florida Keys contributes $4.4 billion to the economy, and the sanctuary is a key driver of the tourism industry there.
In 2020, NOAA received over 1,200 unique comments on the draft environmental impact statement. Based on the best available science and broad public engagement during previous steps of this process that spanned several years, the Restoration Blueprintproposes regulatory changes to better address increasing and emerging marine uses and ongoing and emerging threats to marine resources, while using tools within reach to restore and reverse trends of decline in many habitats.
According to Sarah Fangman, superintendent of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, “The end goal is to build the ecosystem’s resilience in such a way that it can better withstand the elements that caused these declines in the first place.”
This review is the next step in the public process. During the public comment period for the Restoration Blueprint, the public will have until October 26, 2022, to provide input about the future of their Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
Boundary Expansion
The ability for natural processes to flow freely and for wildlife to move unimpeded between habitats is known as “ecological connectivity.” This is an important consideration for an ecosystem-based management approach. When living things can move freely, populations can intermingle. This helps maintain genetic diversity and supports healthy populations. With ecological connectivity in mind, and to address a range of resource management needs expressed during public comment periods, NOAA proposes to expand the sanctuary boundary in a few key areas. The proposed boundary expansion would align the geographic boundary of the sanctuary with the “area to be avoided” regulatory boundary; would enhance ecological connectivity and support fish spawning by closing a gap in the Tortugas Region, encompassing the existing Tortugas South marine zone; and would add a separate area at Pulley Ridge to protect corals in deeper water.
Sanctuary-Wide Regulations
NOAA proposes to modify some of the existing sanctuary-wide regulations to address issues such as water quality, and help the sanctuary be more consistent with state regulations. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency established No Discharge Zones under the Clean Water Act for vessel blackwater (sewage) in Key West (1999) and then all state waters of the sanctuary (2002). NOAA expanded this prohibition to all waters of the sanctuary in 2010. NOAA is now proposing to further protect sanctuary waters from cruise ship graywater discharges (waste from showers, sinks, laundries, and kitchens) and deck washdown by removing those exceptions from the regulations, while allowing an exception for engine cooling water. Cruise ships are among the largest vessels in sanctuary waters and are the source of a significant volume of discharges, which can negatively impact the marine environment.
Through the Restoration Blueprint, NOAA is also proposing sanctuary-wide regulatory changes related to temporary emergency and adaptive management, historical resources permitting, feeding fish from vessels or while diving, grounded and deserted vessels and harmful matter, and the use of mooring buoys for large vessels.
Rethinking Marine Zones
While some regulations are applied across all sanctuary waters, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary also manages different marine zone types with specific purposes and special regulations. In 1997, the sanctuary implemented its management plan that created special areas of varying sizes and purposes, and that manages certain activities within them. In July 2001, the 151-square-nautical-mile Tortugas Ecological Reserve was implemented and is the largest of the sanctuary’s fully protected zones.
NOAA is proposing some changes to the existing zones, and the proposed rule includes five marine zone types: management areas (maintaining existing Key Largo and Looe Key management areas), conservation areas (combining ecological reserves and special use areas into this new zone type), sanctuary preservation areas (adding two, removing two, combining two existing into one, and expanding three), restoration areas (a new zone type, less than one and a half square miles in total, protecting coral reef nursery and active coral restoration habitat sites), and wildlife management areas (adding 23).
NOAA also proposes to modify and add marine zone-specific regulations. Most notably, these changes would no longer permit fishing for bait in sanctuary preservation areas, eliminate the existing exception for catch and release fishing by trolling in four sanctuary preservation areas, and add a new “no anchoring” regulation in all sanctuary preservation areas. These proposed changes were developed after hearing input from recreational and commercial fishermen, as well as the non-fishing community in the Florida Keys. Other fisheries management actions will continue to be managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and NOAA Fisheries, in coordination with the sanctuary, with advice from the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Fisheries Management Councils.
The proposed revisions to regulations in marine zones would more effectively address the resource protection goals of each zone type. Along with these proposed changes, the sanctuary, through a Sanctuary Advisory Council working group, will solicit additional community input on the placement of marker and mooring buoys for new or altered marine zones, and review mooring placements in heavily used areas and for large vessels. The Restoration Blueprint webpage also has several videos that provide context around these recommendations.
All Hands on Deck
“It’s a natural human instinct to confront challenges in their simplest form; to distill complex problems into single solutions,” said Fangman. “But there is no simple solution to what is happening with the complex issues affecting the Florida Keys, and certainly no miracle cure that will return our ecosystem to what it was like, or how it functioned 50 years ago. What is needed is a multi-disciplinary approach, one where the ‘whole is greater than the sum of the parts.’”
The decades-long declines in the health of the marine habitats in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is a community-wide problem, and the solution requires many levels of collaboration and community involvement. NOAA has put forth a proposed plan to move these efforts forward, and now wants to hear what you think about it. Whether you live in the Florida Keys, visit occasionally, or hope to visit one day, we want to hear from you. There are several ways to weigh in on the Restoration Blueprint.
“From the beginning, theRestoration Blueprint has been a stakeholder-driven process informed by constituents who love and rely on this ecosystem, and their voices can be heard in this proposal,” said George Garrett, chair of the Sanctuary Advisory Council. “I encourage everyone to thoroughly review the new Restoration Blueprint materials and come prepared to offer more feedback.”
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Issue 87 - August 2022
SEVENSEAS Travel Magazine – August 2022 – Issue 87
Featured Destination
After Dark Experiences in Britain
With twinkling city-scape views, late night dining and the undeniable energy of the cities after dark, the experience of visiting Britain does not stop at dusk. Read more…
England’s Water Sport Hotspots Revealed as Paddle Boarding Becomes Brits’ Top Pick
The start of the summer season means longer days, warmer weather and signifies the kick-o to peak bathing and water sport season and if the last two years have taught us anything, it is that the UK has miles and miles of beautiful and fun-packed shoreline. Read more…
Adventure Beyond Britain’s Beaches
Spanning thousands of miles, Britain’s coastline is packed with possibility. Enjoy a taste of the sea while tucking into a fresh catch, or explore the cobbled streets of picturesque villages and harbours. Read more…
Conservation Photography
A series in black & white. Sometimes simplifying things can make you appreciate shape, pattern and form in a different way you couldn’t see before. Nature is an artist! Please follow Brooke Pyke for more of her fascinating photographs on INSTAGRAM.
What’s In Our Newsroom
Rice News: Rice Improves Catalyst That Destroys ‘Forever Chemicals’ with Sunlight
Rice University chemical engineers have improved their design for a light-powered catalyst that rapidly breaks down PFOA, one of the world’s most problematic “forever chemical” pollutants. Read more…
NOAA Seeks Public Comment on Restoration Blueprint for Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
One of the most significant marine conservation initiatives in the world—restoring sensitive habitats and managing resources in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Read more…
Federal Appeals Court Reinstates Right Whales Seasonal Protection
In a victory for critically endangered North Atlantic right whales, the U.S. 1st Circuit Court of Appeals has reinstated a seasonal prohibition on lobster fishing with vertical lines in federal waters off the coast of Maine. Read more…
Interior Department Announces $192 Million to Create Public Parks, Expand Recreation Opportunities in Urban Areas
The Department of the Interior today announced that the National Park Service will distribute $192 million to local communities through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP). Read more…
Top 10 Greatest Surfer of All Time Issues Book on Overcoming Life’s Challenges, After Losing His 15-Year-Old Son to Choking Game
Veteran, world champion surfer Shaun Tomson—who is on most lists of The Top 10 Greatest Surfers of All Time ⎯ has issued a new book on overcoming life’s obstacles drawing on the pain of losing a child and the strengths he acquired becoming a sports leader. Read more…
NOAA Rejects Proposal to Expand Area for Rock Shrimp Bottom Trawl Fishery off Florida Coast
National Oceanographic and Atmospheric (NOAA) officials rejected amendment 10 from the US South Atlantic Fishery Management Council to reopen a sensitive deep-sea coral ecosystem on the Florida coast. Read more…
Euronews Launches a New Podcast Series On The Future of The Oceans
Euronews has launched a new podcast series entitled Ocean Calls, dedicated to the future of the oceans June 30, 2022. The project, created in partnership with the European Commission’s DG Mare, features a podcast series of eight 30-minute episodes, hosted by Euronews science correspondent Jeremy Wilks. Read more…
OpenOceans Global Launching Citizen Science App to Map Coastlines Pervasively Fouled by Plastic
OpenOceans Global today announced its launch of an online application allowing citizen scientists to map coastlines around the world that are pervasively fouled by plastic. The goal is to visualize where marine plastic ends up, identify the source, and match the best solutions to stop the flow of plastic to the ocean. Read more…
Put Down the Federal Stick to Build a Greener Future
The Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the Environmental Protection Agency’s power to regulate carbon emissions has been reported as a major blow to fighting the onslaught of climate change. It may have been decades ago but the days of swinging the regulatory stick began to fade in 2000. Read more…
Caring for Your Health While Caring for The Environment
People are more aware of environmental needs now than ever before. 93% of people want to live more sustainably and do what they can to protect the environment, ensuring a bright future for the next generation. At the same time, most people also recognize the importance of self-care and maintaining health. Read more…
Coral Gardeners and GOT BAG Launch Collaboration for Reef Conservation
GOT BAG, an eco-friendly, outdoor & lifestyle travel brand that has developed the world’s first backpacks made of ocean plastic, announces it has teamed up with Coral Gardeners to create a unique collection of GOT BAGs to raise awareness for reef conservation. Read more…
CJ Logistics Introduces Pallet Made With Recycled Plastic in Indonesian Distribution Center, Expanding Global ESG Efforts
CJ Logistics announced on 30 June that the company has expanded its global environmental, social and governance (ESG) management with the introduction of 400 Zero-Carbon Pallets made with recycled plastic waste at its distribution center in Jakarta, Indonesia. Read more…
Play Outdoors in England’s National Parks
Britain’s National Parks offer a huge range of activities from high adrenaline adventures on water, mountains, moors and vales to gentle strolls, bike rides and paddles with an ever changing view. Read more…
Sawfish News: 6th Annual International Sawfish Day Coming October 17
International Sawfish Day was established as a collaboration between the Sawfish Species Survival Plan of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria studbook program, the Sawfish Conservation Society, and research and conservation organizations around the world to highlight the endangered sawfish species. Read more…
The FREE Weekly Conservation Post and Jobs List
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Since 2004, SEVENSEAS Media has fostered an informal and non-partisan platform to promote understanding of key issues and challenges while building partnerships across an increasingly diverse group of marine conservation professionals and students.
Our mission is to promote communication and build partnerships across the global marine community and to identify and address gaps in the community’s work. SEVENSEAS Media achieves this through multimedia promotion and partnerships. The community consists of a diverse and growing group of participants, including non-governmental organizations, government agencies, foundations, bilateral and multilateral agencies, fellowship programs, independent consultants, and academia/students.
If you are interested in contributing or getting involved, email us Here.
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Feature Destination
Play Outdoors in England’s National Parks
Britain’s National Parks offer a huge range of activities from high adrenaline adventures on water, mountains, moors and vales to gentle strolls, bike rides and paddles with an ever changing view. The Parks offer the opportunity to reconnect with nature off the beaten path in contrast to the bustle of the cities. You are never too far from a local pub or café to taste the best of local produce served up with a local welcome. This landscape of rolling hills, ancient woodland and picture perfect villages have inspired generations of writers, artists and storytellers. The Parks are open all year round and offer something for every season with food festivals and also dark sky festivals and stargazing in stunning dark sky reserves.
Here are a few examples of the activities in the lesser known parks within easy reach of the cities.
South Downs National Park is known as the ‘gateway to England’ and has inspired artists including Jane Austen who lived in the picturesque village of Chawton, Virginia Woolf and the Bloomsbury set. There is an abundance of paths, cycle routes, bridleways and waterways which connect the villages, vineyards and waterways. An hour from Brighton by road or public transport.
- Paddle the South Downs is a kayaking adventure through flower-strewn, chalk grassland and wildlife. Paddle to the village of Alfriston or Sussex’s beautiful county town of Lewes past a white horse carved into the hill, llamas and alpacas. The Kayak Coach offers a number of guided trips along the Cuckmere estuary.
- Bait to Plate is a unique guided fishing session, an afternoon fish preparation masterclass in the Smokehouse kitchen and a Chef’s Table private dining experience.
- Hire a bike and explore the ups and downs of the South Downs National Park. Eroica Britanniais a celebration of cycling culture and lifestyle, set within the iconic Goodwood Motor Circuit with rides, local food and award-winning wine, shopping and activities across the weekend.
At the very heart of England, the Peak District brings together the finest of unmissable British architecture, wrapped in a contrast of classic landscapes from rolling green dales and moors. There is more than enough for keen hikers, cyclists, climbers and adrenaline-junkies. An hour from Manchester by road or public transport.
- Walking routes abound and there are guided options and even walking with Alpacatours. Take a leisurely guided option with On Top of the World to explore the very best viewpoints of the Peak District with a series of short walks and scenic drives.
- For cycling there are over 400 kilometres of traffic-free trails with bikes and electric bikes for hire at cycle hubs. Off the beaten track traffic free trails include the Monsal Trail, Tissington Trail, High Peak Trail and Manifold Track.
- Visit the Peaks to try your hand at water sports including kayaking, canoeing, sailing and windsurfing or take a speedboat out for a spin.
- Climbing is extremely popular in the area with one of the most iconic places for rock climbing or bouldering being Stanage Edge.
- There are a number of caves and caverns in Derbyshire and the Peak District, such as Speedwell, Treak Cliff, Poole’s and Peak Cavern (also known as the Devil’s Arse). Another famous show cavern of the area is a cable car ride away, up at the Heights of Abraham in Matlock Bath
- The Blue John Stone Experience. Blue John Stone is a rare, semiprecious mineral found at only one location in the world – in the caves of Castleton. The experience includes mining gems and creating a bespoke piece of jewellery.
- Pudding & Ale Vintage Bike Ride explores the splendid scenery of the Peak District National Park and samples the local ale and produce along the way.
- Chatsworth House a magnificent stately home in the Peak District has plenty to offer and regular spectacular exhibitions which currently include the striking Art of Burning Man displayed over the grounds.
Spectacular limestone scenery and traditional farming landscapes meet expansive heather moorland and an international Dark Skies reserve. Just over an hour from York.
- The Wensleydale Farmer’s Experience offers the opportunity to try out aspects of farming life taking in feeding the animals, gathering sheep, dry stone walling and enjoying the local produce.
- The Dales are known for hiking with options from a short walk alongside a river to see a waterfall to the challenging and renowned Three Peaks challenge and fell running.
- Cycling routes and mountain bike trails include part of the Tour de Yorkshire which was included in the Tour de France.
- The Yorkshire Dales is the number one caving area in Britain with options to hire an instructor or visit a show cave.
- Other activities include a high tech treasure hunt, horseback riding, wild swimming and admiring the night sky in the dark sky reserve and annual dark sky festivals.
A land of hills, wooded dales, crinkly coasts, ancient abbeys and babbling brooks through quaint villages. Activities on land and in the air include bushcraft skills, climbing a rock, geocaching, swing through the trees and a glide through the air, and track down hidden caches! 40 minutes from York.
- Fossils, Forage and Feast leads a journey to discover Jurassic fossils, forage for seashore snacks, and cook on an open beach fire.
- Twilight Nature Sounds Safari have a mix of sensory exploration, discovery and adventure with a warming treat hosed by Adventures for the Soul.
- Outdoor Yoga and Sensory Nature Walk run tours in mystical woodland, alongside babbling brooks and in harmonious company.
- A magical meander on the Coast takes visitors to see stunning views including Ravenscar on the edge of the North York Moors, to breathe in the fresh sea air and stop along the way at hidden gems to meet the locals and enjoy the best of local fare.
- Dark Skies Festivals in October and February have a star-studded line up of events and activities.
The ‘land of far horizons’, Northumberland is the least populated National Park and includes the most iconic and best preserved section of Hadrian’s Wall and has England’s darkest skies, where you can see the Milky Way on a clear night. 40 minutes from Newcastle.
- Hadrian’s Wall Guided Tour. Immersed in the incredible landscapes and magical archaeology the tour brings 2000 years of history to life through award winning guided tours of Hadrian’s Wall.
- The Ingram Valley Farm Safari takes an off road trip through time and a post glacial tundra landscape with red deer, wild cattle and a journey through myths and legends and a picnic along the way.
- The Ranger Patrol of Hadrian’s Wall by Ebike explores the northern frontier of the Roman Empire on an E-Mountain Bike with a National Park Ranger along Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site.
The New Forest’s ancient woodland and wildlife-rich heathland have long been a draw for visitors. The forest is spread across parts of Hampshire, east Dorset and Wiltshire, with wild horses, beautiful scenery, easy hiking, a network of cycle trails, paddle boarding and horseriding. 2 hours from London.
- Walk, stroll or take a long-distance hike or join guided walk companies such as Wild New Forest.
- Explore the forest on horseback on the bridleways that criss-cross the National Park, take lessons in riding skills or take a horse drawn carriage ride with Burley Wagon Rides.
- The park offers a 100 miles of off-road easy and well marked cycle trails with the option to hire bikes.
- Watersports include sea fishing, a cruise from Lymington harbour or a paddleboard from Milford on sea to Hurst Castle with the New Forest Paddle Sport Company. Take part in kayaking at the New Forest Water Park, New Forest Activities and Escape Yachting in Lymington.
- Insight Activities have woodland archery, crossbow shooting and axe throwing in their beautiful, rural location based in Fordingbridge and Calshot Activities Centre have sailing and a low-ropes course.
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Feature Destination
Feature Destination: After Dark Experiences in Britain
With twinkling city-scape views, late night dining and the undeniable energy of the cities after dark, the experience of visiting Britain does not stop at dusk. Across the region’s cities there are much loved and brand-new rooftop bars and experiences to be enjoyed come the end of the day, whilst outside of the urban areas there are dark sky festivals and unique events through the summer and into the winter.
Band on the Wall, Manchester
Since March 2022
Reopened in March after a £3.5m physical transformation, Band on the Wall has increased its capacity and redesigned the interior. The venue has a brand-new ambient bar space which has a new kitchen collaboration with ‘This Charming Naan’ for vegan naan goodness. The bar has been at the epicentre of Manchester’s music and cultural scene, seeing past performances from The Fall, Buzzcocks and Joy Division in the 70s to hosting a young Bjork, Nadine Shah and up and coming acts.
Rooftop Film Club, London
Until end of summer
City skylines, sunsets, starlit evenings, awesome drinks, delicious food, and great movies on the big screen is what Rooftop Film Club promises its visitors in Stratford and Peckham. Both venues show a hand-picked selection of cults, classics and new releases. The Rooftop Film Club offers more than just a screening, it has created a social cinema with great atmosphere and incredible views of the city of London.
Mumbai Masala, London
Launched 10 June 2022
Bollywood meets cabaret with Mumbai Masala launching at Proud City, making it the first major Bollywood immersive experience of its kind to be launched in London. Mumbai Masala offers an evening of escapism with all of the spice, exotic tastes, sights and sounds of a Bollywood romance. Alongside the show, guests will be served an exclusive Asian menu, curated by celebrity chef and MasterChef finalist Nisha Parmar.
Stand-up paddling in the dark by South West SUP, Plymouth
17 & 18 August 2022
South West SUP has two epic night time offers this summer. On 13 July they are organising a Full Moon Paddle to experience the picturesque sunset and watch the rise of the full moon from a prime position on the water. On 17 and 18 August the British Firework Championships return to Plymouth. Visitors can admire the fireworks with an uninterrupted view from the water. Previous paddle boarding experience is required for both events. The centre offers paddle-boarding sessions also through the winter.
Adventure Cinema, Bute Park, Cardiff
29 – 31 July 2022
Bute Park, the green heart of Cardiff, is in walking distance from the city centre behind the castle – and is full of wildlife and a wide variety of plants. The park hosts many of Cardiff’s celebrations and events throughout the year. This summer, from the 29 to 31 of July the park will be hosting ‘Adventure Cinema’, the UK’s largest touring outdoor cinema where visitors can bring their own picnic and enjoy a movie performance surrounded by nature under the stars.
Night bus by London Kayak Company, London
Until end of August
Paddling from Battersea to Greenwich on the Thames at sunset is London Kayak Company’s unique offering to see London from a different angle. The tour goes through the centre of the city, past landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge and other bridges and landmarks brightly bathed in light. The tour takes around two hours and is suitable for all levels.
Black-Owned Hackney Night Market, Hackney, London
12 August & 16 September
The Black-Owned Hackney Night Market has returned this summer in collaboration with Black Eats LDN. The market is located opposite Hackney Central station and features a variety of Black-owned businesses. From street food trucks which serve delicious vegan friendly treats to artisan traders selling sustainably made clothing, gifts and skincare – there is much to explore. The entry to the market is free and there are live DJ’s playing at Hackney Social.
The Night Market, Canary Wharf, London
28 July, 18 August & 22 September
Canary Wharf has launched a new monthly night market for this year’s summer season. Montgomery Square comes to life with street food, music and mini-golf. Food trucks serve a wide variety of dishes from burgers to ‘bibimbaps’ which can be enjoyed while listening to live music from upcoming artists. Visitors can try their hand at free late-night mini-golf on the brand-new course. This is a great way to spend a night out on a Thursday enjoying summer in the city.
103 Colmore Row, Birmingham
Opens in late summer
Birmingham’s tallest office building, 103 Colmore Row, will open later this summer and be home to a global luxury restaurant. The rooftop Lantern restaurant on the 24th floor is complete with a 360-view terrace and an outdoor space which is designed to be versatile to accommodate events and social at arguably is the most enviable evening spot in the city.
Green Space Dark Skies, across Britain
8 events throughout the summer until September
UNBOXED 2022 invites people to light up the British countryside and take part in a series of mass countryside gatherings, inviting up to 20,000 people to experience beautiful landscapes across the UK. The events at dusk will celebrate nature, highlight our responsibility to protect it and encourage more people to visit who would not usually experience the countryside. Using low impact lights, each participant will be part of creating magical moments outdoors at National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Visitors can enjoy the spectacle and experience the beauty of these stunning locations under glittering night skies.
Dark Skies Festival Exmoor, Exmoor National Park
13 – 30 October 2022
British national parks have some of the darkest spaces in Britain, where the night skies are seen at their best and the night time is celebrated at these unique events. The festival on Exmoor has a range of events to discover, learn about and enjoy the starry skies. The low light pollution levels create the perfect conditions for stargazing, night time safaris, or astrophotography. Exmoor National Park will put on 50 events including owl experiences, wildlife safaris, talks with astronomers, and night hikes complete with a homely supper.
Dark Skies Fringe Festivals, North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales
21 – 30 October 2022
The combined area of the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales is the largest protected park area in Britain and one of the biggest in Europe. Since 2022 the area has had International Dark Sky Reserve Status. Following the popularity of the February dark skies celebrations, there will be another bumper week of events, stargazing, night walks and astrophotography held at the end of Autumn.
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