Stars in the Tarn

The aim of this project is to raise awareness of the Fellfoot Forward area’s dark night skies and to create opportunities for people to engage with, and immerse themselves in, astronomy and stargazing as part of our ‘slow landscape’.

In contrast to much of England, the North Pennines has truly dark night skies and is the country’s darkest mainland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Dark skies are a key characteristic of the Fellfoot Forward area and seeing their wonders is a desired experience for local people and visitors.

Protection and conservation of our dark skies are positive actions we can all support and take, and can lead to benefits for wildlife and our health and wellbeing, as well as saving energy. Cumbria Tourism is in discussion with the North Pennines AONB Partnership, Eden Tourism and Cumberland Council to develop a dark sky accreditation for tourism businesses. Cumberland Council is keen to protect the dark skies at Talkin Tarn in support of wildlife, dark sky events, including the North Pennines Stargazing Festival, and to gain designation as a Dark Sky Discovery Site.

The Nest – skygazing pavilion at Talkin Tarn

This commission draws upon the history and materials used in traditional round house construction to bring a new place to rest, reflect and look up, be in the moment and deepen connection with place, day or night. The structure can also be used by school and small groups as an ‘outdoor classroom’.

The Nest is situated on the south-eastern side of the tarn, near the wood. The main frame of the pavilion is constructed from timber poles, with hazel panels wrapping around the outside, encasing the green wood uprights and seating. Most of the materials used in the construction have been sourced locally, with volunteers making the woven hazel panels.

A series of three day workshops in May/June 2023, at which volunteers learned traditional green wood working skills, using traditional coppicing tools, to make the hazel panels, were part of the pavilion build.