Cubs Reach for the Stars

More than 40 children from Cubs units in Rugeley enjoyed learning about the wonders of a dark, starry sky and why it’s important to reduce light pollution at two free events in February.

The Wolseley Centre’s outdoor classroom was host to a range of night-themed activities on 12th and 26th February, including making bat masks and clay modelling.

Children then took it in turns to look through a high-powered telescope from Keele University’s Observatory, and asked many great questions about the solar system. They then enjoyed a walk in the dark around the grounds of the Wolseley Centre, using bat detectors to listen out for bats, before rounding off the evening with a hot chocolate and marshmallows toasted over the fire.

The stargazing night took place at the edge of Cannock Chase, England’s least dark National Landscape (the new name for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty). The good news is that is an oasis of darkness compared to the surrounding built-up areas. We’ve worked with the Cannock Chase National Landscape Partnership to promote the Chase’s dark skies and to produce a Good Lighting Guide.

Thank you to our partners Cannock Chase National Landscape, who funded the events, Jacco van Loon from Keele University’s Observatory, and the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust.