In this episode Elinor takes a night time stroll across Iping Common with South Downs Health and Wellbeing Officer, Kate Drake.

A Dark Sky Discovery Site, Iping Common is not only one of the best places to view the night sky, it is also a great location to connect with wildlife and nature, especially nocturnal critters.

On this walk, Kate and Elinor chat about their experiences of spending nights alone under the stars, controlling their fears of the darkness and finding 'glimmers' - the small, positive moments in our every day lives that bring comfort and joy.

Remember, if you have a question, comment or suggestion, please email embracethedarkness@southdowns.gov.uk

#SouthDowns #NightSky #DarkSkies #EmbraceTheDarkness #Astronomy #Space #Health #Wellbeing #Glimmers

Thank you for listening to ‘Embrace the Darkness’, presented by Elinor Newman.

The podcast is recorded and produced by the South Downs National Park Authority from the South Downs International Dark Sky Reserve.

Music is Orbit by D0d, direct from Uppbeat.

To find out more about the South Downs International Dark Sky Reserve, including the best places to stargaze, go to www.southdowns.gov.uk/DarkSkies

In this episode Elinor is joined by 'Dark Skies' Dan Oakley, founder of Darkscape Consulting and chair of the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) Places committee.

Hugely knowledgeable and with an incredible passion for dark skies, Dan was instrumental in the South Downs National Park achieving International Dark Skies Reserve status in 2016.

On this 'talk and walk' of Queen Elizabeth Country Park in Hampshire, Dan and Elinor chat about seeing the Milky Way for the first time, the journey to becoming an International Dark Sky Reserve and what we can all do to help protect our dark night skies.

Enjoy!

Remember, if you have a question, comment or suggestion, please email embracethedarkness@southdowns.gov.uk

#SouthDowns #NightSky #DarkSkies #EmbraceTheDarkness #Astronomy #Space

Thank you for listening to ‘Embrace the Darkness’, presented by Elinor Newman.

The podcast is recorded and produced by the South Downs National Park Authority from the South Downs International Dark Sky Reserve.

Music is Orbit by D0d, direct from Uppbeat.

To find out more about the South Downs International Dark Sky Reserve, including the best places to stargaze, go to www.southdowns.gov.uk/DarkSkies

Dark skies aren't just for stargazing, you know? It's also a habitat, an environment, a place for us to escape to with our thoughts or to let go of thoughts entirely.

In this new podcast series from the South Downs National Park Authority, Einor Newman - "Queen of Darkness" and organiser of the National Park's annual Dark Skies Festival - chats to a number of different guests, each with their own unique relationship with the night sky.

So put in your ear plugs, wrap up warm and come on a journey with us as we 'Embrace the Darkness.'

First episode arrives on 13 February 2025.

#SouthDowns #Podcast #Astronomy #NightSky #Space

Thank you for listening to ‘Embrace the Darkness’, presented by Elinor Newman.

The podcast is recorded and produced by the South Downs National Park Authority from the South Downs International Dark Sky Reserve.

Music is Orbit by D0d, direct from Uppbeat.

To find out more about the South Downs International Dark Sky Reserve, including the best places to stargaze, go to www.southdowns.gov.uk/DarkSkies