Where to find us

Stargazing Locations

Finding the best locations for observing can be challenging in the UK due to the presence of light pollution. Luckily we have some of the best dark sky sites in England on our doorstep. We use a few different venues for our meetings, depending on convenience and which horizon we need best access to. All our sites are open to the public with nearby parking. Please read our Observing Site Courtesy page before attending.

Fordingbridge Astronomers support the work of the Commission for Dark Skies which promotes appropriate lighting solutions to protect the night sky.

Monthly Meeting Venue

Our monthly meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month in The Barn at The Elm Tree public house in Hightown, Ringwood. The Barn is open from 7pm and the meetings start at 7.30pm (drinks from the bar are welcome). We are usually finished before 10pm. We start the meeting with a presentation from a guest speaker which is usually about one hour long. Then there is an interval for glass refill and general friendly chat- an essential part of our club's activity, followed by some short talks and audience participation.

Non-members are welcome to attend one meeting as a taster free of charge.

Meetings on Zoom

All our monthly meetings are available for members to attend via Zoom.

We also regularly organise informal Zoom meetings on an “ad-hoc” basis for informal chat on specific topics for our members.