Looking to the skies for boost to tourism

THE dark skies over Anglesey could be turned into a potentially lucrative tourism sector money spinner.

A bid has been made for the island to be given Dark Sky status, which, if approved, could bring in stargazers from across the British Isles and beyond.

Social enterprise group Menter Môn is working with Anglesey Council on the bid.

Neighbouring Snowdonia is already one of only 11 Dark Sky areas worldwide, but the final decision will be made by Arizona-based Dark Sky Institute.

If approved, it would mean at least parts of the island are judged not to be blighted from high levels of light pollution, which allows for a clearer view of the night sky and natural phenomena, including meteor showers and glimpses of neighbouring galaxies.

A 2015 report, commissioned by Anglesey Council, found that 75% of 60 studied sites met the International Dark Sky Association’s ‘Silver’ standard, with Newborough Forest being darkest of all.

But proposed developments, such as Wylfa Newydd and Land and Lakes at Penrhos, near Holyhead, might damage the bid.

Jackie Lewis of Menter Môn said: “Wales is now the country with the highest proportion of night skies with a protected status, standing at around 18%. ”

She added that, although they had no figures for the additional number of tourists such status could attract, they want to maximise any residual benefits.

“Our work, by listening to existing businesses, is to see how we can maximise the economic boost as a result of these potential tourists.”

A spokesman for Anglesey Council said: “We have secured a grant from Natural Resources Wales and are currently considering funding a number of schemes.”