It's not widely appreciated, but the night skies within the bulk of the AONBs are as dark as anywhere in the UK. However, this situation is under constant threat from encroaching development and uncontrolled lighting with its associated light pollution and sky glow. We are in danger of losing our views of the Milky Way and the stars forever, and damage could be done to human health and wellbeing, and to wildlife, by unnecessary or inappropriate lighting.
Many of our National Parks and AONBs are now classified as Dark Sky Reserves and Parks by the International Dark Skies Association, giving them some protection, and both Dedham Vale and Suffolk Coastal AONBs are now working towards Dark Sky Reserve Status.
To find out how to protect our skies in Shottisham use the link below to access The Commission for Dark Skies website which gives lots of useful advice.