Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is the first AONB to be designated an International Dark Sky Reserve in its entirety in October 2019. We celebrate the fact that more than 50% of the 380 square miles of the AONB still has the lowest levels of light pollution in England - and the rest of the Chase is not far behind.
The Chase is one of the best places to stargaze in England. Our aim is to help you enjoy this aspect of our AONB as much as our multitude of other ground-based treasures. The great thing is that whether you work, live or visit the Cranborne Chase AONB there is something to see 24 hours a day.
This important designation allows us to protect and enhance our night sky for generations to come.
We would love your support. Please sign our pledge to show your love for our dark skies. We would also love to know what you think of your own local dark skies. Please send us your photos, poems and stargazing adventures.
Become a Dark Sky Custodian, and learn about the benefits of dark night skies, how to control light pollution, run stargazing events, and take sky quality measurements.
Why not give your home a low cost dark sky makeover? You would be amazed how easy it can be to make a few small changes that will transform your night view.
Here is an easy guide, but if you need help just let us know. Once you have done it please tell us – it all helps towards gaining Dark Sky Reserve status.
We are looking for volunteers too. Could you help by working with us to reduce light pollution in your community or business? We promise lots of publicity, plus plenty of support along the way.