More stargazing events set for Kielder in 2022

A deal has been signed to open up astro-tourism – in Northumberland.

Kielder Observatory and Forestry England have formed a partnership agreement which they say will increase opportunities for more dark-sky tourism within the county’s forests.

The current dark-skies industry is already worth about £25m per year to Northumberland, generating about 450 jobs.

Catherine Johns, CEO of Kielder Observatory, said: “Kielder has always been a hub for stargazers and the observatory has become a beacon location for that and has attracted a huge amount of visitors with sell out events consistently.

“The partnership with Forestry England will create a great opportunity to develop more stargazing events in Northumberland which will mean more visitors and more jobs.”
Staff at Forestry England recently helped clear the track to Kielder after a number of trees blocked entry to the site when they were felled by Storm Arwen.

Kevin May, forestry management director, North Forest District said: “This formalising of our partnership with Kielder Observatory will provide even greater opportunities to connect more people with the nation’s forests.”