Cornwall Council and Caradon Observatory are to apply for an International Dark Sky Designation for Bodmin Moor.

If the bid is successful, the designation would formally recognise the exceptional quality of the night sky over Bodmin Moor and help protect it from light pollution.

The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) designations are for places that have an exceptionally high quality night sky and have made a commitment to work to protect and enhance it.

The area proposed for inclusion in the Bodmin Moor International Dark Sky Designation is the portion of the moor that lies within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty plus a two-mile buffer zone around it.

Residents and business in the area would be encouraged to manage lighting better so that it can do what it needs to without harming the night sky.

No one would have to change their existing lights, instead people would be provided with a guide for dark sky friendly lighting to help them choose appropriate lights when they need to replace old lights or fit new ones.

They would also be encouraged to only use lighting where it's needed and turn off lights when they aren't needed.

Edwina Hannaford, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for planning, said: "I’m delighted that this bid is going ahead

"The quality of the night sky over Bodmin Moor is amongst the best in the world, thanks to its low levels of light pollution.

"Cornwall Council already seeks to maintain dark skies through the Local Plan, and achieving the International Dark Sky Designation for Bodmin Moor would help protect our wonderfully starry sky for local residents and draw in visitors during the winter months, boosting our local economy.

"It would also provide a focus for awareness and learning about the stars and solar systems and benefit wildlife and the health of local communities.”

Dr Wayne Thomas and Ken Bennett from Caradon Observatory said in a statement: “We are fortunate that Bodmin Moor has some of the darkest skies in England.

"An International Dark Sky Designation would help preserve the beauty of our skies for future generations and to allow people who visit the Moor to be inspired by what the universe has to offer.”

Anita Grice-Goldsmith, director of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (Cornwall), said: “We are delighted that this bid is going ahead.

"Bodmin Moor is an incredible place, a testament to the magical diversity of Cornwall. Being granted an International Dark Sky Designation would ensure the ongoing protection of its beauty and environment for both people and wildlife. We very much support Cornwall Council in this bid.”

The aim is to finalise the application and submit it to the IDA at the end of March, with a decision expected in June 2017.