The small island of Ynys Enlli, off the northwestern coast of Wales, has become the first site in Europe to receive certification as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary from the International Dark-Sky Association.
Bardsey Island or Ynys Enlli, which means "island of currents" in Welsh, is less than two square kilometers in size and has a human population of only a few dozen. It has been a haven for birdwatching for decades, thanks to its important colony of Manx shearwaters, and is now one of the best places in the world to stargaze.
The island's location and geography make it naturally one of the darkest places in the UK. The mountain Mynydd Enlli on the eastern side acts as a barrier, limiting light pollution from the mainland, and the nearest significant source of light pollution is Dublin, over a hundred kilometers away. However, location alone is not enough to earn the title of "international dark sky sanctuary". The certification process is rigorous and requires the support and commitment of the community to protect the darkness of the sky.
Ynys Enlli has been inhabited since the Bronze Age and is said to have even hosted the legendary Merlin. Today, a small community dedicated to agriculture and fishing populates the island, oc
casionally enriched by tourists seeking refuge from the stresses of modern life in the island's ten cottages. "Living here, I'm always amazed by the beauty of the island and the night sky is part of that. Now that we have received certification, we can't wait to welcome visitors here in the coming months and years and share with them our unique story," says Mari Huws, one of Ynys Enlli's "guardians" who participated in the certification process. "In an increasingly polluted world, it is a privilege to work to protect something pristine for future generations."
As required by the International Dark-Sky Association, the quality of the night sky on the island has been monitored using cutting-edge techniques for four years to demonstrate that it is dark enough to earn the prestigious recognition. A lighting management plan has also been developed. "We are pleased to welcome Ynys Enlli to the growing community of dark sky places around the world," commented Ruskin Hartley, executive director of the International Dark-Sky Association. "With this step, Wales is rapidly becoming one of the leading nations in protecting dark skies as a precious resource for people and wildlife."
