My Somerset Levels – a stargazer’s perspective by Paul Adamson

Paul Adamson is Chairman of the Somerset Levels Stargazers, a club formed 14 years ago with a passion for engaging the public in the wonders of astronomy. Here, Paul tells us why the feels the Somerset Levels is the perfect place to explore the stars and protect the night sky.

As Chairman of the Somerset Levels Stargazers, I’ve spent the past 20 years marvelling at the night sky above Somerset.

From club meetings to hosting stargazing events and encouraging local communities to look up and appreciate the night sky, the goal has always been to share the magic of the cosmos.

Coming from London, where city lights drown out the stars, the clarity of the Somerset skies was a revelation to me. The Milky Way stretches vividly overhead, offering a rare, unspoiled view of the cosmos—a view I now hold dear and feel compelled to protect.

The Somerset Levels, with their vast wetlands, rolling hills, and wide-open spaces, offer a unique landscape that feels like a quiet sanctuary. With minimal light pollution, the Levels provide some of the best stargazing conditions in the UK. But these skies are fragile, at risk from urban sprawl and light pollution. That’s why I’m passionate about supporting CPRE Somerset’s push for National Park status, which would ensure stronger protections for both the land and the night skies.

For me, protecting Somerset’s dark skies is more than just preserving a stargazing spot—it’s about safeguarding a legacy. These skies, along with the peaceful beauty of the Levels, have inspired generations, from young children to seasoned astronomers. I believe that with the right protections, future generations will be able to experience the same awe and wonder that I do, under the same beautiful, star-filled sky.