Latest news with #DarkSkyPark
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Fears over impact of wind farm lights on Dark Sky Park
Campaigners are concerned that the UK's first Dark Sky Park could see its status at risk if a proposed energy development is approved. The Galloway site was first recognised in 2009 as one of the best places to view the night sky with the naked eye. The proposed Lairdmannoch Energy Park sits outside the park's boundary and buffer zone but planning documents show wind turbines and safety aviation lights would be visible from the area. The new site's developer - Wind2 - says the company is "very aware" of the dark sky status and the value of "preserving the area's natural light skies." Aviation lights are an essential safety measure in tall developments to mitigate the risk of collision. The proposed development includes both red "medium-intensity" lights and infrared lights invisible to the eye. Developers say only four of the proposed nine 180m (590ft) wind turbines would include red aviation lights, after consultation with the Civil Aviation Authority. They also stress the energy park was not within the Dark Sky Park or its designated buffer zone. Matthew McFadzean is one of two dark sky rangers at the Galloway Forest Park. He said the project created a "detrimental" threat to night time visibility. "You can come to Dumfries and Galloway and experience a really good level of light quality at night and night vision across the region," he said. "But if you go into the Dark Sky Park, that's where you get the absolute best." Mr McFadzean believes visibility of the night sky has improved thanks to the lighting policies of the local authority over the two decades since the area secured its dark sky status. However, he said he concerned there had been an increasing encroachment of renewable energy developments on the park's boundaries. He said he understood the need to support the transition to renewable energy but added that red light - although it has a smaller impact than white light - could still harm night time visibility. "It will really impact things," he said. "In the Dark Sky Park, you can look up and see with the naked eye, thousands and thousands of stars on a clear night - more than people from the cities who come to visit can ever imagine. "The one word which people say the most when they actually experience looking up at a dark sky for the first time is wow and if we put red lights up there I think that can only be detrimental to that experience." His concerns are shared by by Fi McClelland of The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory, which has plans to build a new facility in the park to replace the previous one, which was destroyed by fire. She said the red light effect could be scattered through the sky by clouds or cause a disruptive "sky glow" across the wider region. Campaigners say the elevated position of the turbines will see them dominate the landscape. "The combination of them both is over 1,300ft from sea level to the tip of the turbine - that's bigger than the Empire State Building without its antenna," resident Matthew James said. As well as the impact on the dark sky park, locals have raised concerns about the effect of the wind turbines on wildlife and the local water system. But developer Wind2 said it had been working with the community for two years and had taken steps to mitigate risks including potential threat to night time visibility and wildlife. It added it believed the area should see "tangible benefits from local renewable energy projects". It has estimated community benefit funding of £310,000 per year would add up to £12.4m over its operational life. It said the scheme - which also includes solar panels and battery storage - matched Scottish government's best practice guidance and could meet the energy needs of up to 67,000 homes. The company stressed it had taken every effort to make the turbines "as inconspicuous as possible from sensitive areas". The window for the public to comment on the proposals is about to close. The Scottish government - which will decide the fate of the scheme - said it would not be appropriate to comment on a live planning application. More like this story A decade of the UK's first Dark Sky Park
BBC News
7 days ago
- Science
- BBC News
Fears proposed energy park could hurt Galloway's dark sky status
Campaigners are concerned that the UK's first Dark Sky Park could see its status at risk if a proposed energy development is Galloway site was first recognised in 2009 as one of the best places to view the night sky with the naked proposed Lairdmannoch Energy Park sits outside the park's boundary and buffer zone but planning documents show wind turbines and safety aviation lights would be visible from the new site's developer - Wind2 - says the company is "very aware" of the dark sky status and the value of "preserving the area's natural light skies." Aviation lights are an essential safety measure in tall developments to mitigate the risk of proposed development includes both red "medium-intensity" lights and infrared lights invisible to the say only four of the proposed nine 180m (590ft) wind turbines would include red aviation lights, after consultation with the Civil Aviation also stress the energy park was not within the Dark Sky Park or its designated buffer zone. Matthew McFadzean is one of two dark sky rangers at the Galloway Forest said the project created a "detrimental" threat to night time visibility."You can come to Dumfries and Galloway and experience a really good level of light quality at night and night vision across the region," he said."But if you go into the Dark Sky Park, that's where you get the absolute best." Mr McFadzean believes visibility of the night sky has improved thanks to the lighting policies of the local authority over the two decades since the area secured its dark sky he said he concerned there had been an increasing encroachment of renewable energy developments on the park's said he understood the need to support the transition to renewable energy but added that red light - although it has a smaller impact than white light - could still harm night time visibility."It will really impact things," he said."In the Dark Sky Park, you can look up and see with the naked eye, thousands and thousands of stars on a clear night - more than people from the cities who come to visit can ever imagine. "The one word which people say the most when they actually experience looking up at a dark sky for the first time is wow and if we put red lights up there I think that can only be detrimental to that experience." His concerns are shared by by Fi McClelland of The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory, which has plans to build a new facility in the park to replace the previous one, which was destroyed by said the red light effect could be scattered through the sky by clouds or cause a disruptive "sky glow" across the wider say the elevated position of the turbines will see them dominate the landscape."The combination of them both is over 1,300ft from sea level to the tip of the turbine - that's bigger than the Empire State Building without its antenna," resident Matthew James said. As well as the impact on the dark sky park, locals have raised concerns about the effect of the wind turbines on wildlife and the local water developer Wind2 said it had been working with the community for two years and had taken steps to mitigate risks including potential threat to night time visibility and added it believed the area should see "tangible benefits from local renewable energy projects".It has estimated community benefit funding of £310,000 per year would add up to £12.4m over its operational said the scheme - which also includes solar panels and battery storage - matched Scottish government's best practice guidance and could meet the energy needs of up to 67,000 company stressed it had taken every effort to make the turbines "as inconspicuous as possible from sensitive areas".The window for the public to comment on the proposals is about to Scottish government - which will decide the fate of the scheme - said it would not be appropriate to comment on a live planning application.
Telegraph
19-02-2025
- Telegraph
Why north Africa and Arabia should be on your travel list
They're among the oldest travel destinations in the world – but there's never been a better time to visit north Africa and Arabia than now. From the maze-like back streets of Morocco's Imperial Cities to the emerging archaeology of the Saudi Arabian desert, these history-soaked spots, full of ancient marvels, are hot this year. Why? In 2025 you can be among the first to visit a landmark new museum or to enter areas that have long been off-limits. Cox & Kings, the world's longest established travel company, has more than 260 years' experience of organising tours, and knows a thing or two about creating remarkable trips to extraordinary places, as well as changing travel trends and pushing new frontiers. Choose a Cox & Kings trip to north Africa or Arabia and you'll see the region at its most authentic, blending must-see highlights with signature experiences that go deeper under the skin. Egypt: the grand reveal Cairo's Grand Egyptian Museum finally opened in late 2024. Just over a mile from Giza's Pyramids – there are superb views from the museum's rooftop – it's a world wonder in its own right: 500,000 sq m of jaw-dropping artefacts displayed in style in this vast, arresting building that is the largest museum in the world dedicated to one civilisation. Cox & Kings' tailor-made Splendours of Egypt trip combines time in Cairo (and a museum visit) with a Nile cruise. You'll sail in luxury to Aswan and Luxor, where new archaeological treasures have just been unearthed – but also drift on a traditional felucca, to feel the true timelessness of the river. Saudi Arabia: time to explore Long closed to tourists, Saudi Arabia has started welcoming visitors with open arms over the past few years – an outlook shift that makes this kingdom one of 2025's hottest destinations. The recent introduction of e-visas on arrival makes entry a breeze while iconic sites are finally on the travel map. You can explore locations such as Mecca, Jeddah's vibrant Red Sea coast and the ancient, starspangled oasis of AlUla – designated an official Dark Sky Park in late 2024. But it pays to travel with a trusted company to help you navigate this burgeoning destination. Cox & Kings' tailor-made Saudi Arabian Discovery trip links together past and present – from Jubbah's neolithic petroglyphs to the Haramain bullet train – using local guides to explain this fascinating world of old and new. Tunisia: beyond the beach As overtourism becomes a concern worldwide, Tunisia has announced a new focus on 'alternative tourism' that will show the country is so much more than sun-kissed beaches. Cox & Kings' new Tunisian Highlights trip has this covered, deep-diving away from touristy holiday resorts for visits to Carthage, the Great Mosque of Sousse and ancient Dougga (north Africa's best-preserved Roman town). The trip includes a stay in the walled city of Kairouan, little-changed since it was built in the eighth century – it offers a proper immersion in real Tunisian life. Want to go more offbeat? Cox & Kings' experts recommend explorations into the wild southern desert and Berber villages. Morocco: star power Is Morocco ever out of fashion? With its warm hospitality and movie-star looks – often used as a Hollywood location, the country's a top choice for 'set-jetters' – this north African hotspot always delivers. There's a lot to pack in, from intoxicating souks to high peaks and rippling deserts. So a well-planned small-group tour – like Cox & Kings' Moroccan Explorer – is the way to go. The tour visits imperial cities, including heady Marrakesh and the oft-overlooked Rabat, now emerging as a hip alternative. There's also time spent with nomads in the dunes and exploring the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou, where many a movie has been filmed. Oman and Jordan: two top treasures Oman, one of the least-explored of Arabian destinations, is a land of richness and variety, and its landscape is an enticing blend of city, ocean, desert and mountain. Travellers are finally starting to cotton on to this attractive mix, which Cox & Kings' wraps up on its Oman: An Arabian Odyssey group trip, one that combines Muscat's treasures with turtle watching, a night in the dunes and the peaks of Jabal Akhdar. Or opt for Jordan, the perennial Middle-Eastern favourite, name-checked on Lonely Planet's 2025 Best in Travel list. There's a lot to see here, and Cox & Kings' Splendours of Jordan trip spends two full days exploring Petra, so you get a proper feel for this jaw-dropping site.
