JAMAICA Inn will be holding a public consultation evening next month to discuss the details and benefits of the proposed bid to make Bodmin Moor an International Dark Sky Park.

Cornwall Council is asking members of the public for their views on the proposals, and a month long consultation will take place by Cornwall Council and Caradon Observatory, to discuss the proposed bid to have Bodmin Moor recognised as a Gold standard International Dark Sky Park, which is arguably comparable to World Heritage Site status.

The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Unit and the Campaign to Protect Rural England are also in favour of the proposal. With public support, the council will then be able to submit the decision this summer.

Edwina Hannaford, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for planning, said: “I’m thrilled with this initiative. It mixes the ageless fascination and romance of the stars with real science and learning, and it has tangible opportunities for tourism too.

“Recent observatory data shows that the quality of the night sky over Bodmin Moor is amongst the best in the world. Achieving recognition of this through an International Dark Sky Park designation would help protect the night sky from light pollution and bring other benefits, including providing a focus for awareness and learning about the stars and solar systems, a further draw for visitors to the area and a starrier sky for local residents.”

International Dark Sky Parks must be a protected landscape, and Bodmin Moor is already known as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Furthermore, the area must also provide a high-quality night sky, demonstrate means of an awareness and education opportunity, and have a management plan to minimise light pollution.

In the UK, there are currently three International Dark Sky Parks.

Dr Wayne Thomas, an amateur astronomer from the Caradon Observatory, said: “The quality of the skies at the observatory shows how important it is to maintain such a beautiful and natural gift. Making sure that artificial light is kept at a sensible level throughout the moor is just one part of preserving the heritage, natural landscape and biodiversity for future generations to enjoy.”

If the proposed bid does go ahead, the residents and businesses on Bodmin Moor would be encouraged to manage their lighting better, so it can do what it needs to do without harming the night sky.

People would be provided with a guide for dark sky friendly lighting to help them choose appropriate lights when they need to replace old lights, or fit new ones in the future.

More information regarding the proposed bid is available at www.cornwall.gov.uk/darksky

Jamaica Inn will also be holding a public consultation evening on Friday, April 15 from 6pm to 7pm, discussing the details and benefits of the Dark Sky Park status.

Anyone can comment on the proposals. The consultation runs until May 2. For more information ring 01872 224309.