Tell the Stars

Jean La Fontaine (1621-1695) 'The astrologer who stumbled into a well'
Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars [Gen. 15:5]
“The people of the South Downs National Park are being called to become ‘citizen scientists’ by taking part in Star Count 2013 – a cosmic census to help map light pollution across the country. Stargazers will be asked to count the number of stars they can see with the naked eye within the constellation of Orion as part of a national Star Count taking place from Friday 8 February to Saturday 16 February.

The Star Count is particularly important in the South Downs as it will provide vital evidence about the quality of the National Park’s night skies and whether it might be possible to gain Dark Sky status in the future.”

The rest of the press release is here.

Damage to the Beeding Hill to Newtimber Hill SSSI

Not The Bourne Legacy
Natural England, the responsible body for Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), reports that “the site has been blighted by off-road motorcyclists who have been using it as a track. Damage to the site is worsening over time, with offenders bringing equipment with them to dig tracks and make alterations to suit their sport. .. the area is now being monitored by local police officers in a bid to stop the damage. .. A 23-year-old man from Hove has recently been issued with a warning under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, after being arrested causing damage at the site”.

Money for cycling in National Parks


On 30th January, the relevant minister announced that £12 million of tax-payer money was to be made available to improve conditions for cyclists in the English National Parks. There are 10 National Parks in England. Meanwhile, just under a million pounds is to be spent providing extra cycle parking spaces at Brighton Station.