Volunteering for the North Pennines

24 July 2026

A group of volunteers with an interest in the historic environment, head out on a monthly basis into the North Pennines to help our team record and better understand the area’s internationally important mining heritage. These North Pennines National Landscape volunteers complete condition reports on historic mine sites, recording what survives today and piecing together the story of each site using clues from the landscape, geological evidence, historic maps, photographs and mining records.

As well as recording the condition of buildings and other archaeological features, volunteers photograph the sites and help gather information for photogrammetry, creating a detailed visual record of these remarkable places. The information collected helps fill gaps in the historic record and is shared with organisations such as Historic England and The National Archives. Our findings are also added to Historic England’s Missing Pieces project, helping both researchers and visitors better understand the remains they can see today. By improving our knowledge of these sites, volunteers are also helping to inform their future conservation and ensure this unique industrial heritage is better understood for years to come.

One of our volunteers Rachael, explains what being part of the project means to her.

“Volunteering is a wonderful way to meet people who have similar interests. Having moved to a new area of the country and not knowing anyone, I was keen to get involved with different groups. Volunteering with the North Pennines National Landscape team has allowed me to use my geological knowledge and explore places that I would not normally have access to. To spend the day in some of the most spectacular scenery that this country has to offer whilst working on a worthwhile project is amazing.

Working alongside staff and other volunteers, I have learnt new skills, and been involved in doing something useful, which gives me a sense of satisfaction. However much time you can spend, by giving an hour or a day you will always be making a difference. Completing this vital work, ensures future proofing some of our most important industrial and social history.”

Rachael has been volunteering as part of the North Pennines National Landscape team on the Land of Lead and Silver project. Land of Lead and Silver is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund with thanks to National Lottery players.