01-05-2025
Country park reveals new dark sky visitor attraction
A HOLIDAY park on the Herefordshire and Powys border is developing a new type of visitor attraction for those seeking dark sky experiences devoid of light pollution.
Rockbridge Country Holiday Park based just outside Presteigne will be offering a the experience to visitors called 'The Retreat'.
The town and surrounding community became the first in Wales to be designated an International Dark Sky Community by Dark Sky International last year.
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The holiday park, owned by Discover Parks, are investing in reducing light pollution by creating a transparent viewing dome, a telescope, and plans to educate visitors on how to 'stargaze in style' with the help of the the local Marches Astrology Group.
Discover Parks owners, Glenn and Hannah Jones say the development has taken longer than expected, but it has given them time to create something which will compliment Presteigne's beautiful countryside.
Presteigne and its surround countryside became the first community in Wales to be designated an International Dark Sky Community last year (Image: Discover Park)"We are bowled over by the interest so far," Glenn said. "We have been extremely careful not to create light pollution in an area that's been awarded for its dedication to maintaining unpolluted night skies, and that, we feel, is being greatly appreciated.'
Leigh-Harling Bowen as the area's Dark Skies Community Leader says this development has been "a long hard slog" but dark sky status is great to achieve.
"The Presteigne & Norton community has worked tenaciously over the last six years to highlight the benefits of becoming a dark sky community," Leigh-Harling said.
"'The Retreat' at Rockbridge will now be able to offer visitors the opportunity to see unparalleled views of the dark, clear, unpolluted skies of Mid Wales.'
The launch of 'The Retreat' will happen this Friday, April 25, as MS Senedd member James Evans will be cutting a ribbon. Glenn himself and other Presteigne Town councillors will be present to mark the occasion.
The public are invited to the opening.
