COUNTRY PASSION
Writer and illustrator Tiffany Francis-baker lives with her husband in Hampshire near the South Downs, one of four International Dark Sky Reserves in the UK. Exploring outdoors after nightfall is her favourite way to reconnect with nature
Writer and illustrator Tiffany Francis-baker reconnects with nature by exploring the night sky
In our world of electricity and blue screens, being outdoors in darkness may seem like a thing of the past, but the night is an important part of our circadian rhythm. It can transform a familiar place into something new – a hidden world waiting to be discovered.
One evening, I looked out of the window to see the sun setting and the stars beginning to emerge, and decided I wasn’t ready for bed yet. I hopped into my car and drove to Butser Hill near my house, one of the highest and darkest points in the South Downs, an International Dark Sky Reserve. From shadowy silhouettes of nearby trees to twinkling stars and the rustling of wildlife in the grass, I spent hours taking in every detail of the nightscape surrounding me. From that moment I was hooked.
Exploring nature after dark is a form of therapy for me. When I look up at the night sky, I feel wonderfully insignificant in our vast universe, and my problems even more so. Having said that, I do value a good night’s sleep, so it isn’t something I do every night! Sometimes my husband and I just sit in the garden with a cup of tea and listen to the tawny owls nearby.
On a typical nocturnal outing, I’ll take a fully charged phone and torch as well as snacks and a Thermos. It’s a good idea to visit the same place in the daylight first to familiarise yourself with the area, and always tell someone where you’re going and what time you plan to be back. I like to consider myself a rational person, but my primitive side will still kick in from time to time and I find myself getting spooked by strange noises or shadows… it’s all part of the fun!
I recommend visiting the website darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk for details on upcoming Dark Skies festivals. These are great ways to learn more about astronomy and nocturnal wildlife, as well as meeting fellow nyctophiles! This month I’ll be looking out for the Pink Moon (12 April) – it isn’t actually pink, but it’s a beautiful sight nonetheless!
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Discover more of Tiffany’s after-dark tales in her book, Dark Skies (£16.99, Bloomsbury Wildlife)