THE Isle of Wight has some of the darkest night time skies in south of England, but a local campaign hopes to make them even darker.
Working together, Vectis Astronomical Society, the Isle of Wight AONB, Campaign to Protect Rural England, and the Isle of Wight Society want to make the most out of the Isle of Wight’s night time sky.
By effectively tackling light pollution, the IW could be recognised as an international Dark Skies community.
Currently the only Dark Sky communities in the UK are the Isle of Sark, the Channel Islands, and the Island of Coll.
The benefits of reducing light pollution include conserving energy, improving opportunities for wildlife, and making the IW among the best stargazing spots in the world.
Joel Bateman from the Isle of Wight AONB said: "We feel it would be hugely beneficial for both human and wildlife tranquillity to reduce light pollution across the Island, not just within protected areas.
"If we can win the hearts and minds of the Island population then there will be real opportunities to improve the night time environment for all residents - moths, bats and badgers included - as well as boosting a very exciting tourism opportunity.
"Should the Island attain Dark Sky community status, this would be the first county internationally to achieve this recognition and the first area with a significant sized population."
To promote the campaign, there will be a free stargazing event at Newchurch Observatory on March 30 between 7pm and 10pm.