Explore how you sense things differently on a thrilling dusk to dark skies hike. Step away from artificial lighting and experience how the mind wanders and the imagination kicks in.
As night descends, the world changes and the way we experience what's around us becomes more acute. Never more so than when out amongst nature and wildlife! Exhilarating, thrilling and sometimes even a little scary! What will we hear? What will see? How will will feel? Experience the screeches, snuffles and scuffles of night-time nature connection.
The story of people’s mass disconnection from the dark started in 1880, when the inventor Joseph Swan lit up his home in north-east England with incandescent electric bulbs for the first time. In most ways it was a boon for humanity, but what is rarely considered, is the loss of something very precious. Increasing amounts of research shows that artificial lighting is bad for our health, disrupting sleep patterns, linking to obesity, poor memory and an increased risk of cancer.
Understanding the dark side of the landscape is not just about seeing or hearing interesting sounds, but noticing how darkness feels and learning to be comfortable with it. The mind wanders and the imagination kicks in.
On these hikes we'll use all our senses to explore how a nocturnal walk can reconnect us with nature for our own health and well-being and that of nature and marvel in the majesty and wonder of the starry night sly.
Ruth is a qualified Mountain Leader and Cumbria Dark Skies Ambassador.
Dates:
Friday 21st February – Haweswater to Small Water 6-8pm
Cost: £36 pp
BOOK HERE
Location:
Wild Haweswater encompasses 30 square kilometres of mossy woodland, rushing streams, moorland, heath and bog, and farmland set within a mountainous landscape on the eastern edge of the Lake District National Park.
Nestled in the folds of Haweswater’s dramatic landscape lie pockets of wildness; alpine plants cling to cliffs and ledges, whilst woodland birds, red squirrels and badgers teem in the woodlands
Wild Haweswater is a partnership between the RSPB and United Utilities, who are working together to manage the site for people, water and wildlife. With farming running alongside habitat restoration and thriving upland wildlife, the reserve demonstrates how people and nature can thrive together.
A percentage of your booking fee goes back to into supporting the fabulous work of RSPB Haweswater.
