Skies Above, Earth Below: Mapping the Values of the Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park

The project explores the values of International Dark Sky Places, designated areas where communities have pledged to conserve the natural darkness of the night sky. The Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park is one such place, awarded with gold tier status from the International Dark-Sky Association in 2009. My project will map the life of the Dark Sky Park, its unique approach to dark skies practice, and the various people, places and practices (human and non-human) that shape and sustain it.

My approach blends ethnography, qualitative research methods and creative enquiry. Along with the written thesis, I am producing an alternative Field Guide for the Dark Sky Park, which invites practitioners and stakeholders to explore the different ways we might experience and care-take this unusual landscape.