The BAA Campaign for Dark Skies: Twenty Years on: A Special Report (British Astronomical Association‪)‬

The starry sky is, unofficially but indubitably, a site of special scientific interest and an area of outstanding natural beauty--if it can be seen. It is currently the only part of our environment without protection in law. 20 years ago, the idea of a campaign to protect our dark skies for both astronomers and non-astronomers was discussed by Ron Arbour and Pete Welland. They felt that the time had come to counter the ever-growing tide of skyglow which had tainted the night sky and gradually veiled the stars over Britain since the 1950s. Initial investigations showed that the task would be an overwhelming one for just two people. After discussions with other concerned members of the BAA in 1989, Ron Arbour formed a committee in April 1990, and the BAA Campaign for Dark Skies (CfDS) held its first formal meeting on Friday 1990 May 18, in the rooms of the Royal Astronomical Society at Burlington House. The minutes report that the following were present: Ron Arbour (Chairman), Bernard Abrams, Graham Bryant, Stuart Hawkins, Gordon Taylor, Dr Paul Murdin and Pete Welland (Secretary). Also involved but not present at that meeting were Alan Dowdell, Paul Kemp and Dr John Mason. At that meeting the committee styled itself the Committee for Dark Skies. The name was changed to Campaign for Dark Skies before the end of 1990, and a letter from Pete Welland in the BAA Journal of 1990 December introduced the CfDS to BAA members.