Our Principles

Supported by the BAA Commission for Dark Skies (CfDS), this new network has grown from their efforts. Led by Val Russell of the Newbury Astronomical Society. With the CfDS Network and NAS, we aim to build on the CfDS legacy by embracing its established campaign principles. These principles have evolved over decades.

• Promoting dark sky quality lighting installations. 
• Focus on reducing light pollution where people live. 
• Amateur and authentic campaigning. 
• Free to participate, expenses covered. 
• Funded by donations, but no begging letters.
• Friendly persuasion, avoiding preaching. 
• No commercial ties or endorsements, all dark skies regions treated equally. 
• Maintaining strong ties with other campaign organisations. 
• Never asking for all light to be switched off and certainly not when safety is compromised.
• Avoiding involvement with planning or neighbourhood disputes unless astronomy societies or dark skies places are under threat.

The need to combat unwanted light at night has never been greater.  Light pollution has spread almost everywhere causing significant harm to nature, human wellbeing and access to beautiful skies. Now a new threat looms from massed low-orbit satellites.  For life’s sake, please consider joining the CfDS Network and defending against these grave light pollution threats.