Where: Guiting Power Village Hall, Gloucestershire

When: Saturday, March 16, 6.30pm-9pm

The Cotswolds Dark Skies Initiative is being launched at an evening with respected astronomer Will Gater on Saturday, March 16.

The Chasing Darkness event is for those who enjoy living in an area where we can see a multitude of stars and planets overhead.

Join the Cotswolds Conservation Board and Will Gater to celebrate our dark skies. Adults and children are welcome.

Dark skies are recognisably important as part of our heritage, for wildlife, and for health and wellbeing.

They are a notable and characteristic feature of the Cotswolds AONB and in 2016, CPRE published survey data showing that a good part of the Cotswolds AONB retains high quality dark skies - but also warns that dark skies are becoming increasingly rare. We need to protect the astronomical landscape as much as the landscape underfoot.

The Cotswolds Conservation Board is launching the Cotswolds Dark Skies Initiative at Guiting Power Village Hall.

Astronomy journalist, author and science presenter Will Gater will be talking about what dark skies mean to us, what they can reveal, and how we must work to protect their treasures. Weather permitting, the evening will conclude with an outdoor stargazing session.

Booking is essential. Tickets are £8 for adults, 16 and under free and are available from: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/chasing-darkness-an-evening-with-will-gater-tickets-56785907177