A dreamy night-time shot of the expansive Milky Way over the Cuckmere Meanders has won the People’s Choice award in the South Downs National Park’s astrophotography competition.
Dark sky reserve anniversary
Since the National Park’s ever-popular Dark Skies Festival in February, the public have been voting for their favourite astrophotography image out of a shortlist of 25. The competition is extra special this year as the National Park is celebrating its 10th anniversary as an International Dark Sky Reserve, which is a prized status given to places with low light pollution and exceptional stargazing opportunities.
Embracing darkness
The National Park is announcing the winner of the People’s Choice during International Dark Sky Week, which encourages people to embrace the darkness and help protect precious dark skies that are vital for both people and wildlife.
Taking the top spot was a breathtaking image of the Cuckmere meanders and the immense starry sky above it. The photographer, Daniel Richards, who lives in Bickley, London, has won £100.
Daniel said: “I love the South Downs National Park for its stunning scenery and natural beauty, and especially its dark skies for astrophotography. This was my first dark moon outing and I had always wanted to capture the stunning Cuckmere River as it meanders down to the sea to meet the Milky Way. And wow it didn’t disappoint!”
The National Park’s astrophotography competition will return in the autumn. Find out more at www.southdowns.gov.uk
