Europe's dark sky reserves shine bright as light pollution reduces

Nocturnal wildlife like owls, foxes and bats need darkness to thrive, which is why it’s so important to limit light pollution. ADVERTISEMENTBrits holidaying at home this year could base their break around starry skies rather than sunseeking, after a recent star count revealed less light pollution during lockdown.Meanwhile, the number of European dark sky parks and reserves is growing, with Naturpark Attersee-Traunsee in Austria the latest addition to around 140 places certified by the International Dark Sky Association.Of the 18 Dark Sky Reserves worldwide, 13 are in Europe - in the UK, France, Germany and Ireland.It all adds up to more people rediscovering a love of night skies and stargazing, while staying at home, and it’s something I wanted to experience myself.Dark sky at night, starlight delightCountryside charity CPRE is hoping that darker skies are here to stay, after 7,000 citizen astronomers took part in its biggest ever star count in February.The results released recently sh...