THE first of a series of ten training days to help tourism businesses in the North- East capitalise on the region’s star-gazing potential are open for bookings. The events, designed to promote the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), are being provided by the Animating Dark Skies project partnership.

The first two events are on April 29 at the Redesdale Arms, near Otterburn, and on May 1 at Hamsterley Village Hall, County Durham.

They will be useful for bed and breakfast businesses, campsite and self-catering owners, pub and hotel managers, tour guides and anyone working in tourism.

Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, with the successful Kielder Observatory at its heart, and the North Pennines AONB have some of England’s darkest skies. They are ideal for stargazing at the end of the summer visitor season and offer a spectacular display throughout the winter until Easter.

Richard Darn, a communications and marketing professional with a passion for astronomy, has been commissioned by the Animating Dark Skies project to provide the training for businesses.

“To benefit from the international interest generated by our dark skies, tourism businesses need to act quickly to capitalise on this wonderful and distinctive feature of the region,” he said.

“We’re aiming to extend the visitor season and make sure our offer compares favourably with the best star-gazing experiences in the world.

“Workshop participants will get tips on making their businesses more dark sky-friendly, marketing star-gazing opportunities, learn how others are tapping into the astro-tourism market and get practical advice on buying equipment. They will also be shown how to use telescopes and binoculars and, weather permitting, be able to view amazing stars, galaxies and planets.

“This a tremendous opportunity for tourism businesses to exploit our most natural asset – unforgettable starry skies.”

Animating Dark Skies is receiving £225,000 funding, partly from Northern Lands, a programme of projects designed to develop tourism in the North- East. Other projects include:

  • An electric bike network to allow visitors to explore the dramatic North-East coast from Berwick to Hartlepool and venture inland through spectacular countryside along the coast-to-coast path. With trails encompassing the North Pennines and Northumberland Coast AONBs, and the Durham Heritage Coast, visitors will be able to explore while leaving their cars behind;
  • The new Sandstone Way, which will provide 100 miles of mountain-biking enjoyment for families and experienced mountain-bikers. The already popular mountain-biking areas of Kielder and Hamsterley will also provide more excitement with upgraded trails.
  • Food and drink trails to help visitors experience what the North-East has to offer.
  • For more information on the Animating Dark Skies training days, contact Richard Darn on 0775-367-0038, or email richard@richarddarn.com.