A NEW Dark Sky Discovery Hub on Exmoor has been opened to its first visitors during the Exmoor Dark Skies Festival, which runs until Sunday (October 29).

The project, at Wimbleball Lake, was made possible thanks to funding from Exmoor National Park Authority, Hinkley Tourism Action Partnership, and environmental and recreational charity South West Lakes and its supporters.

Located within Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve on Exmoor, Wimbleball is a designated Dark Sky Discovery Site and an ideal place to stargaze and engage with nature and the outdoors in its greatest form.

The new hub has been built on grassland overlooking the lake and has low seating designed to allow people to lean back and experience views over the lake and the starry skies above, with a circular flat patio style platform in front for the use of telescopes.

Neil Reeves, of South West Lakes, said: “Looking out over the lake at night is a magical experience.

“We are delighted that visitors can now use this facility to rest, gaze upwards and watch the planets, spot constellations or see shooting stars.

“It is also a great location for astrophotography and to learn about nocturnal wildlife. 

“Hikers taking part in the Moonlit Walk for Exmoor on Friday (October 27) will be among the hub’s first night-time visitors.

“We will be developing a series of inspiring and educational events to take place all year and we are grateful for funding support from the park authority and Somerset Council through the Hinkley partnership to help us develop the hub.

“It is a fantastic addition to the activities on offer at the lake and for those staying at our campsite.”

Festival organiser Katrina Munro said: “We are delighted that this facility increases the opportunities for visitors and residents to appreciate our dark skies.

“This will be our third Dark Sky Discovery Hub, joining those at North Molton and Exford.

“Each hub is unique, offering different opportunities to discover more.

“Along with our Dark Sky Discovery Trail, accredited Dark Sky Friendly businesses, and the annual Exmoor Dark Skies Festival, everybody can now enjoy our dark skies all year round.

“Whether it is simply looking up and appreciating the wonder of a star-filled sky or learning more about the universe from a stargazing guide, this special quality of Exmoor is something to be celebrated.”

Hinkley Point C senior stakeholder relations manager Andrew Cockcroft said: “The Hinkley partnership has successfully supported a diverse set of initiatives to develop tourism across Somerset and this project is no exception.

“The new hub will help in opening up the incredible beauty of the night sky to many more people and we look forward to the benefits it will surely bring to the wider tourism industry.”

Wimbleball is managed by South West Lakes and attracts around 200,000 visitors every year with both local residents and tourists visiting for on-water activities, walking, cycling, angling, and experiencing the great outdoors on the moor.

Facilities include plenty of outdoor space and parking, an activity centre, café, campsite, toilets, and play area.

The lake and its surrounding land also provides for a variety of wildlife and habitats.