Resources
These are some useful and inspiring materials which inspire and celebrate life after dark.
Dark Skies
Protected areas of landscape with designated Dark Skies status have minimal light pollution and are ideal for stargazing and experiencing natural darkness.
Dark Sky UK
The UK chapter of the International Dark-Sky Association, a non-profit aiming to safeguard dark skies through parks, reserves, and communities. Find ideas on low outdoor lighting solutions, dark sky locations and ecological interventions.
​
National Parks UK
https://www.nationalparks.uk/dark-skies/
​
Cranborne Chase, Dorset
This area of Dorset is an International Dark Sky reserve. Find out about reducing light pollution in your green spaces and discover how to apply for 'Dark Sky Status'.
https://cranbornechase.org.uk/our-work/dark-night-skies/
​
Dorset
Discover the best stargazing spots in Dorset
Books
Inspirational books with themes of darkness, sleep, light pollution, nocturnal biodiversity, history and the wild self.
At Day's Close: A History of Nighttime
Professor A. Roger Ekirch, April 2022
​
Courting the Wild Twin
Martin Shaw, October 2023
​
In Praise of Shadows
Junichiro Tanizaki, May 2001
​
Nocturnes: Five Stories of Music and Nightfall
Kazuo Ishiguro, March 2010
​
Nightwalking: Four Journeys into Britain After Dark
John Lewis-Stempel, October 2022
​
The Darkness Manifesto: Why the world needs the night
Johan Eklöf and Dr. Elizabeth DeNoma, Nov 2023
Art
Discover some beautiful paintings of night – a source of fascination and inspiration for artists throughout history.
Whistler's Nocturnes
https://www.mutualart.com/Article/Acquainted-With-the-Night--How-Whistlers/42179197014DE7CB
Groups and events
Exploring the ecological, social and cultural narratives of humanity through books, festivals, events, collaborations and connections.
​
Women of the Dark Skies
Guided silent night walks in natural darkness
https://cranbornechase.org.uk/events/women-of-the-dark-skies/
Listen
Night has inspired poets and musicians to write, compose and perform in the quiet hours after sundown. Here's a playlist of nocturnal audio to listen to after dark. ​​
​
Listen to a Nocturne playlist on Spotify
​https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FRqZSnczZJ89YURdxhv9d?si=ibjcWb9fRZ676N-NaEIGSA
​