This week, Capes Conversations looks up ... up at the vast dark skies above us and we have two experts to explain what we’re seeing in the skies and some easy ways you can appreciate the astronomical objects and auroras that we see here in the South West.

Carol Redford, founder of Astrotourism WA and photographer, Aidan Kean shares their knowledge of the dark skies with practical tips to start learning more about our stars and planets, as well as taking photos of the Aurora Australis.

There are some books references on Indigenous Astronomy. Look out for The First Astronomers by Duane Hamacher, Emu Dreaming by Ray and Cilla Norris and First Knowledges: Sky Country by Karlie Noon & Krystal De Napoli.

To help monitor aurora activity, take a look at some of these resources;

Aurora Australis Facebook Group
SpaceWeather.com
Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre (part of Bureau of Meteorology)
My Aurora Forecast app

There's also information on sky gazing in the Margaret River here: Night sky: where to stargaze | The Margaret River Region

@light_to_lens, @astrotourismwa

Thanks for listening and if you've enjoyed this podcast, please share with your family and friends.

For more inspiration on visiting the Margaret River Region follow @margaretriver on Instagram or explore www.margaretriver.com.

The Ludlow Tuart Forest was once the entry into Busselton, before the bypass was built. It’s now signposted as the scenic route into town and most people miss it. This week, Capes Conversations looks at what makes the Ludlow Forest so special and why it needs community help to regenerate and thrive.

The Ludlow Tuart Forest is the only tall Tuart forest ecosystem in the world. Once covering more than 110,000 hectares, it has been reduced to just 3% of its original extent. What remains is fragmented, under‑managed, and facing accelerating ecological decline.

Des Donnolly and Evelyn Taylor are from the Ludlow Tuart Forest Restoration Group and they believe community can regenerate this forest.

Visit the Group's website for more information on their activities, opening hours and ways you can support them: Ludlow Tuart Forest Restoration Group

Thanks for listening and if you've enjoyed this podcast, please share with your family and friends.

For more inspiration on visiting the Margaret River Region follow @margaretriver on Instagram or explore www.margaretriver.com.