Ynys Enlli, located 3 kilometres off the coast of Wales and also known as Bardsey Island, is now officially one of the best places in the world to see the stars
Space
23 February 2023
The lighthouse at Ynys Enlli Steve Porter
An island off the coast of north Wales has become the first place in Europe to be awarded Dark Sky Sanctuary certification from the International Dark Sky Association.
Ynys Enlli, also known as Bardsey Island, is now recognised as one of the best spots in the world for stargazing after local wardens spent four years monitoring levels of overnight light pollution on the island.
Sian Stacey, chair of the Bardsey Island Trust, said in a statement the designation was a “huge achievement”.
Across the UK there are already several dark sky reserves, but areas designated as a sanctuary must boast darker, less polluted skies to qualify.
Alongside Ynys Enlli there are just 16 other Dark Sky Sanctuaries around the world, from the Pitcairn Islands in the Pacific Ocean to Medicine Rocks state park in Montana, US.
Ynys Enlli lies 3 kilometres off the tip of the Llŷn Peninsula in North Wales, and records suggest it has been inhabited since the Bronze Age. Today only a handful of people live on the island all year round, while visitors arrive for day trips and holidays during the summer months.
The island’s unique geography is part of the reason for its dark skies. A mountain on the island limits the amount of light that seeps over from Welsh mainland, making Dublin, 120 kilometres away in Ireland, the closest significant source of light pollution.
Authorities hope the new designation will offer stronger protections for Ynys Enlli against future light pollution and attract more visitors to the island.
“There’s no doubt that achieving this prestigious status for Ynys Enlli will raise the profile of the island as a unique place in Wales and amongst the best in the world to appreciate the night sky,” said Stacey. “We hope it will also go a long way in securing the long-term sustainability of the island.”
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