Dark Skies

In The Wolfords, we are fortunate that we can enjoy our night skies, relatively free of light pollution. Unfortunately, light pollution is on the increase – it can have adverse effects on our quality of life and our health, as well as wildlife (especially nocturnal animals & insects). Dark nights and starry skies are an important and valued part of a rural area’s natural character, and this needs to be protected.  

In January 2025, The Wolfords Joint Parish Council (TWJPC) approved and published its Dark Skies Policy and Artificial Lighting Guidelines.  

TWJPC also nominated its first Dark Sky Discovery Site, located in the car park of The Wolfords Village Hall in Little Wolford. Several successful Stargazing evenings and talks have been held, in collaboration with the Chipping Norton Amateur Astronomy Group (CNAAG). The Site is also registered on the Go Stargazing website.  

TWJPC is fully committed to protecting dark skies in The Wolfords, and is determined to ensure that The Wolfords will always remain a streetlight-free zone. This position will be emphasised in all future Neighbourhood Plans.