Dark Skies Volunteer; Medway

Medway Dark Skies is an initiative aiming to conserve and enhance dark skies across the rural landscape of the Medway area, in Kent, and raise people’s awareness of Artificial Light At Night.

We work with partners to inform the public how Artificial Light at Night negatively affects the health of plants, night‑time pollinators, birds, amphibians, mammals and humans.

As a volunteer, your role will be to take night‑time sky metre readings while enjoying the night sky, and share the data with us. You will also assist with the project’s events programme activities and local discussions with Parish Councils, businesses, industry and other local groups.

We provide training and support. This role is suitable for volunteers local to the Medway Kent area.

If you'd like to find out more about this Dark Skies project and how you can get involved, we have a free online session running as part of this year's Big Help Out on Friday 5th June at 12pm.
Register here

Dark Skies Volunteer

CPRE Kent Director

Community

We’re building a team of volunteers who will take night‑time sky quality meter readings from across the rural areas of Medway, Kent. We will use the data to map light pollution and identify areas that might need help and support to reduce obtrusive light (sky glow, light spillage or nuisance).

You don't need any specific experience to join the team, just a love of the countryside and a willingness to get involved. The role is flexible and you’ll be able to choose how and when you support us.

You’ll receive all the training you need to get involved.

• Receive training on how to take and record your readings.
• Take sky quality meter readings using kit supplied to you.
• Volunteer with at least one other person at night.
• Take readings in line with our methodology and data upload guidelines.

• An interest in the countryside and environmental issues.
• Enjoy volunteering outdoors at night.
• Access to a smart phone.
• Comfortable to carry out tasks in pairs when carrying out survey work and as part of a team.
• Be able to volunteer for around 5-7 hours per month over a series of evenings.

• Use your enthusiasm, skills and experience to contribute to the success of our charity and make a positive difference to the countryside.
• Be part of a team of citizen scientists, helping to tackle light pollution and conserve and enhance dark skies across the rural landscape.
• Enhance your CV by developing new skills and gaining valuable experience.
• We’ll provide you with all the relevant training.
• You have the option to attend our national online volunteer induction session to find out more about the wider charity.
• Learn about the importance of dark skies and what simple measures can be put in place by residents, businesses, parish councils, district & county councils and central government.