Nenthead - village consultation - archaeological survey
2026-03-26 18:30 - 20:00 (Europe/London) | Nenthead Village Hall, Nenthead, Alston, CA9 3PN
Residents and visitors are invited to take part in a village consultation linked to an archaeological survey in Nenthead. The project will involve the excavation of small test pits to help explore and better understand the area’s historic development.
The drop-in event at Nenthead Village Hall, Nenthead, CA9 3PH is on Thursday 26 March, 6.30pm to 8pm. Community engagement and local insight will play an important role in shaping the findings.
All ages are welcome, children must be supervised by an adult. Free refreshments will be available. Disabled parking available, wheelchair accessible, wheelchair accessible toilet.

Archaeological landscape surveys - volunteer opportunity
2026-03-27 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-03-28 10:00 - 15:00 | Garrigill, CA9 3DS
Have you ever wondered how Archaeologists map their finds and sites?
The answer is archaeological surveying, an important aspect of archaeological fieldwork that records the footprint, profile, and location of a site, as well as the location of any important artefacts discovered.
Facilitated by Elder Archaeology, there are volunteer opportunities to help survey mining sites in the Alston Moor area.
There are a total of 15 volunteer days across three weeks starting Tuesday 10 March, 10am to 3pm. Volunteers can register for any day, and any number of days. Dates in March are 10-14, 17-21 and 24-28. Ideally suited for 18+.
As a volunteer you will help conduct these surveys in a variety of ways, utilising technology such as laser scanners, global positioning systems, and drones. As well as more basic technology, such as dumpy levels, measuring tapes, and drawing implements. Training will be provided by experts from Elder Archaeology.
Please sign up using the system Better Impact
Future opportunities.
Over the next two years there will be two month-long opportunities to participate in archaeological surveying on sites in the North Pennines National Landscape and UNESCO Geopark as part of the Land of Lead and Silver project. Elder Archaeology CIC will provide instructions and guidance as you compile your own surveys across these sites. No experience is required, and all equipment will be provided, however it will require lots of walking across uneven moorland in inclement weather, so warm and waterproof clothing is strongly recommended.

Tree and hedge planting
2026-03-31 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-04-09 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-04-16 10:00 - 15:00 | Teesdale
Join us on farms across Teesdale to create more space for nature and improve habitat connectivity by planting trees and hedgerows.
There are several volunteer opportunities for tree and hedge planting throughout the winter, at locations across Teesdale.
Tree and hedge planting dates, 10am to 3.30pm:

22 January
30 January
5 February
10 February
18 February
26 February
5 March
10 March
18 March
26 March
31 March
9 April
16 April

A light lunch will be provided but please bring any drinks and snacks. All ages are welcome, children must be supervised by adult. All training and equipment will be provided. Please wear outdoor clothing and bring waterproofs, and wear boots with a sturdy sole. A general level of fitness needed.
Volunteer opportunities may be postponed due to weather conditions, any changes will be communicated at least 24 hours before the event where possible.
For any enquires please email william@northpennines.org.uk
Please sign up using the volunteer site Better Impact

Adder survey training
2026-04-02 09:00 - 12:30 | Nr castleside
Would you like to contribute to the conservation of adders in the North Pennines National Landscape?
Learn how to survey for adders and other reptiles and amphibians in the North Pennines.
The training near Longburnford Quarry Nature Reserve is on 2 April, 9am to 12.30pm. Full details of the meeting point will be given when signing up to volunteer.
The session is suitable for adults, and children over the age of 12 who are supervised. Unsuitable for wheelchairs, dogs and young children.
Please use the Better Impact volunteer system to sign up.

Access improvements
2026-04-02 10:00 - 15:00 | TBC
Volunteer with us to improve access to various lead mine sites across the North Pennines on the second Thursday of each month. The first date is 2 April, 10am to 3pm.
In this monthly activity you will join Adam, Access Officer at the North Pennines National Landscape, to help make improvements to footpaths leading to mining sites.
Steel toe capped boots and gloves are strongly recommended for this task, gloves can be provided.
More details will be provided upon signing up. Suitable for 18+.
Exact locations will be decided closer to the date of the activity.
Dates for 2026, second Thursday of each month, 10am to 3pm:
2 April
14 May
11June
9July
13 August
10 September
8 October
12 November
10 December
Please sign up using the link to Better Impact volunteer system

Mine site maintenance - cancelled
2026-04-07 10:00 - 15:00 | TBC
Cancelled
Volunteer opportunities to undertake maintenance works to various mine sites across the North Pennines, on the first Tuesday of each month, commencing 3 March 2026, 10am to 3pm.
In this monthly activity you will join Gary and Arran of Heritage Consolidation, to undertake maintenance tasks at lead mining structures.
Steel toe capped boots and gloves are strongly recommended for this task, gloves can be provided.
More details will be provided upon signing up. Suitable for 18+
Locations will be decided closer to the date.
Dates are:-
3 March
7 April – cancelled
5 May
2 June
7 July
4 August
1 September
6 October
3 November
1 December
Sign up using the Better Impact volunteer link

Volunteer woodland surveys
2026-04-11 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-04-22 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-05-07 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-05-19 10:00 - 14:00 | TBC
Volunteer to help us assess the condition of woodlands in the North Pennines National Landscape as part of the Landscape Connections project.
The are four opportunities on various dates to get involved in. The first one starts in Dufton on Saturday 11 April, 10am to 2pm. There will be a short walk from the parking locations to the survey areas and are suitable for adults and children, (under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult).
Other dates, 10am to 2pm, to volunteer are:

Wednesday 22 April – Allen Valley
Thursday 7 May – Weardale
Tuesday 19 May – Teesdale

Exact locations will be confirmed nearer to the date of the survey.
Please wear sturdy boots and clothing suitable for the weather. Tea and coffee will be provided but please bring a packed lunch.
Please sign up using the volunteer system Better Impact

Heritage podcast online information sessions
2026-04-21 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-04-23 18:00 - 19:00 | Online
Would you like to learn how to make a podcast?
We have two free online information sessions for people with an interest in local history and storytelling. Each session lead by audio artist, Ben Freeth, will provide details to potential volunteers who are interested in capturing some of the research and oral histories carried out by the Land of Lead and Silver Project.
Session dates are:

Tuesday 21 April at 11am-12 noon
Thursday 23 April at 6pm – 7pm

No prior podcasting or audio experience is necessary, suitable for 18+. We will cover how you can get involved and details of the training sessions which will be offered.
Please book using the link to Ticketsource

© Nat Wilkins

Volunteer day at Bowlees tree nursery
2026-04-22 13:00 - 16:00 | Bowlees Visitor Centre
Volunteer at Bowlees Wildflower and Tree Nursery on the last Wednesday of each month from 1pm to 4pm. There are also extra drop in sessions on 11 March, 15 April, 13 may and 10 June.
You can help with our nature recovery work by seed collecting and sowing, potting on, and watering plants. For more information email william@northpennines.org.uk.
Delivered as part of the Tees-Swale: naturally connected programme. Tees-Swale is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and led by the North Pennines National Landscape team in collaboration with the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Sign up on the volunteer platform Better Impact

Historic environment on-site working day
2026-04-28 10:00 - 16:00 | Nenthead Mines
Come along and get involved in recording historic structures on working days at sites around the North Pennines. Held monthly apart from March and August, 10am to 4pm. New and experienced volunteers are most welcome.
Help document key features through structured field recording and targeted photography, and contribute invaluable data for ongoing conservation work. The photographs taken will also support the creation of detailed 3D models through photogrammetry and feed into Historic England’s Missing Pieces project, helping to build a richer national record of heritage sites.
You’ll have the chance to work with other volunteers and trained staff, while helping us to safeguard these important sites.
You will need to bring walking boots and clothing appropriate for spending the day outdoors in a variety of weather. You will also need a packed lunch, snacks and a drink. If you want to bring equipment with you, you are welcome to, but we will also have some equipment available for you to use.
Dates for 2026:
Future dates with locations:
• Thursday 26th February – Rookhope Arch
• Tuesday 28th April – Nenthead
• Wednesday 27th May – Beldon Lead Mine
• Tuesday 23rd June – Lady’s Rake Mine
• Thursday 30th July – Silverband Mine
• Wednesday 23rd September – Pike Law
• Tuesday 27th October – Middle Level Greenlaw
• Thursday 19th November – Stublick Colliery/ Langley Barony Mine
• Tuesday 8th December – Brandon Walls
Each day is from 10am to 4pm.
Please book using the Better Impact volunteer system

Volunteer day at Bowlees tree nursery - family friendly
2026-04-29 13:00 - 16:00 | Bowlees Visitor Centre
Volunteer at Bowlees Wildflower and Tree Nursery on the last Wednesday of each month from 1pm to 4pm. There are also extra drop in sessions on 11 March, 15 April, 13 may and 10 June.
This event is especially family friendly.
You can help with our nature recovery work by seed collecting and sowing, potting on, and watering plants. For more information email harry@northpennines.org.uk.
Delivered as part of the Tees-Swale: naturally connected programme. Tees-Swale is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and led by the North Pennines National Landscape team in collaboration with the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Sign up on the volunteer platform Better Impact

Historic environment: indoor working day
2026-05-01 10:00 - 16:00 | North Pennines National Landscape office, 1 Martin Street, Stanhope,, DL132UY
The monthly volunteer indoor working days at our Stanhope Office build on our historical research /field recording work and gives volunteers the opportunity to develop their skills further.
Historical Research volunteers
For volunteers working on historical research projects (such as “Unlocking the Asylum Archives” and “Caldwell Harpur: Diaries of a Crank”) these monthly research meetings are an excellent opportunity to meet others working on the same project to share exciting research findings, explore emerging themes, and work on any tricky transcriptions together.
Staff will be on hand to offer guidance on resources, answer questions, and help you work through any challenges and supply much needed tea and biscuits.
Photogrammetry and Archaeology volunteers
Photogrammetry volunteers can process the photographs collected on site to create detailed photogrammetry models, exploring how digital techniques can enhance our understanding of historic landscapes. Volunteers will also work with a range of sources—including written accounts, LiDAR data and QGIS mapping—to place the recorded lead mining sites in their wider historical context. Our findings will be added to Historic England’s Missing Pieces project, helping to expand and enrich the national record.
No previous experience is needed; these sessions are designed to support beginners while offering plenty of scope for those wishing to grow their research and digital heritage skills. You do not need to have attended the associated site day to join us for these indoor work sessions.
Refreshments are provided throughout the day but please bring a lunch if needed. If you want to bring equipment with you, you are welcome to, but we will also have some equipment available for you to use.
Dates for 2026 – all at Stanhope are drop in sessions from 10am to 4pm:
• Friday 1st May
• Friday 5th June
• Friday 3rd July
• Friday 7th August
• Friday 2nd October
• Friday 30th October
• Friday 4th December
• Friday 18th December)
Please sign up using the Better Impact volunteer system

Mine site maintenance
2026-05-05 10:00 - 15:00 | TBC
Volunteer opportunities to undertake maintenance works to various mine sites across the North Pennines, on the first Tuesday of each month, commencing 3 March 2026, 10am to 3pm.
In this monthly activity you will join Gary and Arran of Heritage Consolidation, to undertake maintenance tasks at lead mining structures.
Steel toe capped boots and gloves are strongly recommended for this task, gloves can be provided.
More details will be provided upon signing up. Suitable for 18+
Locations will be decided closer to the date.
Dates are:-
3 March
7 April
5 May
2 June
7 July
4 August
1 September
6 October
3 November
1 December
Sign up using the Better Impact volunteer link

Volunteer moth monitoring opportunities
2026-05-06 09:00 - 11:30, 2026-05-16 09:00 - 11:30 | TBC
Monitoring moths is a fantastic way to measure changes in biodiversity on farms. Volunteer with us for sessions in the North Pennines.
We’ll be working with (and testing out) new technology developed by the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH). We’re looking for citizen scientists to help us.
This opportunity will run from 9am to 11.30am in Dufton, Cumbria. A short walk from the parking area to our moth traps will be required. Exact location details will be available nearer to the date of the session.
Other dates, 9am to 11.30am, to volunteer are:

Thursday 28 May – Allen valleys

Please wear sturdy footwear and bring clothing suitable for all weathers. Suitable for adults and children (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult).
Tea & coffee will be provided. If you have access requirements, please let us know in advance so we can try to accommodate them.
Please sign up using the volunteer system Better Impact
© Buff tip – Martin Rogers

Volunteer day at Bowlees tree nursery
2026-05-13 13:00 - 16:00 | Bowlees Visitor Centre
Volunteer at Bowlees Wildflower and Tree Nursery on the last Wednesday of each month from 1pm to 4pm. There are also extra drop in sessions on 11 March, 15 April, 13 may and 10 June.
You can help with our nature recovery work by seed collecting and sowing, potting on, and watering plants. For more information email harry@northpennines.org.uk.
Delivered as part of the Tees-Swale: naturally connected programme. Tees-Swale is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and led by the North Pennines National Landscape team in collaboration with the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Sign up on the volunteer platform Better Impact

BeeWalk training with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust - Teesdale pollinator surveying
2026-05-14 09:30 - 16:00 | Bowlees Visitor Centre
We are looking for adult volunteers to take part in BeeWalks. We are offering a free one-day training course, for both beginners and those with experience, to learn about the identification of all 24 British bumblebees.
The course takes place on 14 May from 9.30am to 4pm, at Bowlees Visitor Centre in the morning and along the Pennine Way in the afternoon. The walks and training follow the Bumblebee Conservation Trust’s (BCT) survey methodology and training will include information on the national BeeWalk scheme.
Each BeeWalk would be approximately 1 to 2 km long, encompassing a variety of habitats including a selection of upland hay meadows, woodland, or roadside verges. The BeeWalks take place from May to September, bi-weekly, and can be carried out individually or paired with another volunteer. The aim is to monitor a selection of meadows pre- and post-restoration to see the impacts upon pollinator abundance, whilst also adding vital data to a countrywide programme run by the BCT. The BeeWalks will be coordinated by a member of the Tees-Swale Farming and Nature Team.
Training will be undertaken by Andy Benson, Skills for BeeWalk project manager at the Bumblebee Conversation Trust.
Please contact Harry for more information: harry@northpennines.org.uk.
Please sign up using our Better Impact volunteer system

Tree planting maintenance
2026-05-20 10:00 - 15:30 | Teesdale
Volunteer with us on farms across Teesdale on 20 and 26 May for a hands-on conservation day helping care for newly establishing trees and the landscapes they’ll shape for years to come.
You’ll be getting stuck into tasks such as removing old tree guards for recycling, restaking protective tubes, and helping monitor the sites.
Please bring packed lunch, and any other refreshments. 18+ welcome. All training and equipment will be provided. Please wear outdoor clothing and bring waterproofs, and wear boots with a sturdy sole. A general level of fitness needed.
Volunteer opportunities may be postponed due to weather conditions, any changes will be communicated at least 24 hours before the event where possible.
Sign up using the Better Impact volunteer system

Garden club - volunteer opportunity
2026-05-26 10:00 - 12:30 | Bowlees Visitor Centre
Volunteer to help look after ‘Helen’s Garden’ at Bowlees Visitor Centre, and the raised beds and planters alongside the Centre on the last Tuesday of each month, 10am to 12.30pm.
General maintenance including weeding, dead heading, cutting back and planting. Watering the gardens when required. Tidying, sweeping the surfaced area around the Centre and painting garden benches. Hedge trimming and maintaining the willow arch in the car park.
Usually work for two to two and a half hours and finish with refreshments which are provided.
Sign up on the volunteer platform Better Impact
This event is part of North Pennines NatureFest running from Saturday 23 May to Sunday 7 June 2026. See the full programme at www.NorthPenninesNatureFest.org.uk #NorthPenninesNatureFest26

Tree planting maintenance
2026-05-26 10:00 - 15:30 | Teesdale
Volunteer with us on farms across Teesdale on 20 and 26 May for a hands-on conservation day helping care for newly establishing trees and the landscapes they’ll shape for years to come.
You’ll be getting stuck into tasks such as removing old tree guards for recycling, restaking protective tubes, and helping monitor the sites.
Please bring packed lunch, and any other refreshments. 18+ welcome. All training and equipment will be provided. Please wear outdoor clothing and bring waterproofs, and wear boots with a sturdy sole. A general level of fitness needed.
Volunteer opportunities may be postponed due to weather conditions, any changes will be communicated at least 24 hours before the event where possible.
Sign up using the Better Impact volunteer system

This event is part of North Pennines NatureFest running from Saturday 23 May to Sunday 7 June 2026. See the full programme at www.NorthPenninesNatureFest.org.uk #NorthPenninesNatureFest26

Historic environment on-site working day
2026-05-27 10:00 - 16:00 | Lune Head Mine, Lunedale
Come along and get involved in recording historic structures on working days at sites around the North Pennines. Held monthly apart from March and August, 10am to 4pm.
Help document key features through structured field recording and targeted photography, and contribute invaluable data for ongoing conservation work. The photographs taken will also support the creation of detailed 3D models through photogrammetry and feed into Historic England’s Missing Pieces project, helping to build a richer national record of heritage sites.
You’ll have the chance to work with other volunteers and trained staff, while helping us to safeguard these important sites.
You will need to bring walking boots and clothing appropriate for spending the day outdoors in a variety of weather. You will also need a packed lunch, snacks and a drink. If you want to bring equipment with you, you are welcome to, but we will also have some equipment available for you to use.
Dates for 2026:
Future dates with locations:
• Thursday 26th February – Rookhope Arch
• Tuesday 28th April – Nenthead
• Wednesday 27th May – Lune Head Mine
• Tuesday 23rd June – Lady’s Rake Mine
• Thursday 30th July – Silverband Mine
• Wednesday 23rd September – Pike Law
• Tuesday 27th October – Middle Level Greenlaw
• Thursday 19th November – Stublick Colliery/ Langley Barony Mine
• Tuesday 8th December – Brandon Walls
Each day is from 10am to 4pm.
Please book using the Better Impact volunteer system

Volunteer day at Bowlees tree nursery
2026-05-27 13:00 - 16:00 | Bowlees Visitor Centre
Volunteer at Bowlees Wildflower and Tree Nursery on the last Wednesday of each month from 1pm to 4pm. There are also extra drop in sessions on 11 March, 15 April, 13 may and 10 June.
You can help with our nature recovery work by seed collecting and sowing, potting on, and watering plants. For more information email harry@northpennines.org.uk.
Delivered as part of the Tees-Swale: naturally connected programme. Tees-Swale is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and led by the North Pennines National Landscape team in collaboration with the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Sign up on the volunteer platform Better Impact
This event is part of North Pennines NatureFest running from Saturday 23 May to Sunday 7 June 2026. See the full programme at www.NorthPenninesNatureFest.org.uk #NorthPenninesNatureFest26

Volunteer moth monitoring opportunities
2026-05-28 09:00 - 11:30 | Allen Valleys
Monitoring moths is a fantastic way to measure changes in biodiversity on farms. Volunteer with us for sessions in the North Pennines.
We’ll be working with (and testing out) new technology developed by the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH). We’re looking for citizen scientists to help us.
There are four opportunities which will run from 9am to 11.30am. The first session is on Wednesday 6 May in Weardale. A short walk from the parking area to our moth traps will be required. Exact location details will be available nearer to the date of the session.
Other dates, 9am to 11.30am, to volunteer are:

Allen Valleys – Thursday 28 May
Dufton – Saturday 13th June
Teesdale – Wednesday 17th June
Weardale – Tuesday 23rd June

Please wear sturdy footwear and bring clothing suitable for all weathers. Suitable for adults and children (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult).
Tea & Coffee will be provided. If you have access requirements, please let us know in advance so we can try to accommodate them.
Please sign up using the volunteer system Better Impact
This event is part of North Pennines NatureFest running from Saturday 23 May to Sunday 7 June 2026. See the full programme at www.NorthPenninesNatureFest.org.uk #NorthPenninesNatureFest26
© Buff tip – Martin Rogers
