Astro Watch : The last stretch of England that rolls and dips from Hadrian's wall to the Scottish border loses none of its beauty in the winter months. Yet as the days get shorter, the hikers, birdwatchers and other regulars dwindle. Even a calendar filled with fungal forays, hedge-laying courses and red squirrel drop-ins fails to keep their numbers up. But now, Northumberland can boast a new attraction, one residents hope will bring more visitors to the region in the coldest months of the year. Northumberland national park, and the adjoining Kielder water and forest park, have been declared Europe's largest "dark sky park".The award recognises the profound darkness that makes nearly 580 square miles (1,500 sq km) of the county an ideal territory from which to stare up at the night sky. The park was awarded gold-tier status by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) in the US, the highest rating given for stargazing conditions.The designation ends a two-year process during which councils, residents and local businesses audited outside lighting, took more than 300 readings with light meters and sought to reduce light pollution. The benefits extend beyond amateur astronomers and astro-tourists by reducing lighting bills, boosting the local economy, and protecting the ...