About the project
The Cannock Chase National Partnership is working to encourage more people to appreciate the wonder of our dark skies and play their part in minimising light pollution.
Darkness at night is an integral part of Cannock Chase National Landscape, adding to its beauty and sense of remoteness.
As a very small National Landscape, sitting between Stafford, Rugeley, Cannock and Burntwood, our relatively dark skies are significantly affected by light spilling in from the surrounding towns. This has an effect on tranquillity and creates a challenge to deliver our core purpose to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the protected area. Dark night skies are definitely outstanding, natural and beautiful, and we think they should be conserved and enhanced along with the rest of the Cannock Chase National Landscape.
A starry night sky and the wonder of the Milky Way is one of the most magical sights the countryside can offer, connecting people to an important part of our natural heritage. Sadly, many people don’t get to experience this beauty due to light pollution. As well as reducing our ability to see the stars, light pollution has serious impacts for wildlife, our health, and the health of the planet. It disrupts the natural behaviour of wildlife, can be harmful to human health and wastes energy, at a time when many people are trying to live more sustainably.
Star Count
In 2023 we linked up with CPRE’s national Star Count, inviting local people to choose a clear night between in February and count the number of stars in Orion. The results were used by CPRE to create an interactive map of the nation’s view of the night sky.
In 2023, 2024 and 2025 CPRE have organised in conjunction with Cannock Chase National Landscape events for local scouts and guides. Professional astronomers from Keele University’s Observatory have brought their telescopes to allow children to enjoy great views of the night sky. Explaining what can be seen in the night sky, both with and without a telescope, and talk about the importance of reducing light pollution. At the Wolseley Centre, the children did have-a- go activities and a night walk listening out for the different animals finishing with roasting marshmallows on the fire pit.
A Good Lighting Guide
The National Landscape has produced a guide to raise awareness of dark skies, their social, environmental, and economic benefits, and to demonstrate how simple changes by the way we light our homes, businesses and neighbourhoods can have big impacts. It provides information and advice to individuals, businesses and decision makers interested in reducing and avoiding light pollution so that we keep Cannock Chase special.
Please find the published report Light Pollution and Dark Skies in the Cannock Chase AONB – A Good Lighting Guide