Inhabitants of Hawnby, near Helmsley in North Yorkshire—population 193 at the last count—which is owned by Mexborough Estates, have got together to ensure their small village becomes the first to be dark-skies friendly in the North York Moors National Park. Residents believe that the lower light level has encourage owls to fly closer to the village. (Image credit: Getty)‘When driving towards Hawnby from the Helmsley direction, I used to notice how the village glowed in the night sky,’ recounts architect and Hawnby resident Paul Smith. (Image credit: Alamy)Pubs, cafés and shops that are run for the community, by the community, are becoming increasingly popular. (Image credit: Getty Images)A recent summit hosted by NFU Scotland is questioning the evidence on the benefits of national parks, with worries that