CUMBRIANS are being urged to tackle light pollution by counting how many stars they can see in the skies.

The results will be used to lobby the government to take action and stop light pollution from 'bleaching the night sky'.

The call comes just before the Cumbria Dark Skies Festival, during which a series of live online events will celebrate Cumbria's night-time views.

"A starry night sky is one of the most magical sights the countryside can offer, connecting us to the nature we all love and the wonders of the wider universe," said Crispin Truman, chief executive of CPRE, the countryside charity, which is represented in Cumbria by Friends of the Lake District.

"Dark skies are also crucial for our health and for that of wildlife. Lockdown and the coronavirus have reminded us about how good for us the countryside can be."

Mr Truman said CPRE's Star Count would highlight which areas suffered from the most light pollution.

He said participants, by counting the numbers of stars they are able to see in the Orion constellation, would be 'contributing to citizen science' and helping with lobbying efforts.

Bob Mizon, UK coordinator of the British Astronomical Association’s Commission for Dark Skies, said: "Turning back the tide of light pollution brings darker night skies and improvements to the wellbeing of humans, wildlife and the environment.

"In its [the commission's] three decades of working with the CPRE towards these goals, we have seen increased public and Parliamentary awareness of the importance of our view of the universe above.

"The CPRE Star Count is an important part of this work, especially in these abnormal times - when we have a chance to see whether changes in our activities are having any positive effect on the atmosphere and our view of the night sky."

The Cumbria Dark Skies Festival is taking place between February 5 and 21. Among the events on offer is an evening with acclaimed filmmaker Terry Abraham. Visit friendsofthelakedistrict.org.uk for more.

The 2021 Star Count is taking place between February 6 and 14. Visit cpre.org.uk for more information and to sign up.