Presteigne and Norton International Dark Sky Community.
See international dark skies web page for an overview –
Presteigne and Norton Dark Skies
Our first annual report can be found at the link below –
Presteigne and Norton Town Council obtained International Dark Sky Community status for Presteigne and Norton in January 2024.
Following on from this, in April 2024 the Town Council was awarded the One Voice Wales sustainability award for the Presteigne and Norton International Dark Sky Community project.
During the period April 2024 to March 2025 light pollution measurements were undertaken at various sampling points around Presteigne and Norton. Also during this period, “Presteigne Dark Skies” presentations were given to TLT Llandrindod, Talgarth Town Council, PACE climate change and nature conference, Marches Astronomy Group and finally at the Brecon Dark Sky festival in September 2024.
During 2024-25 John Beddoes High School piloted the inclusion of dark sky education into its science curriculum.
At the Presteigne Music Festival in August 2024 the first concert, which showcased Michael Berkeley’s World premiere “Morning Star”, was dedicated to Presteigne being certified as the first International Dark Sky Community in Wales.
