North Pennines National Landscape

Volunteer opportunities - plug planting
2025-10-25 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-10-22 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-10-17 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-10-09 10:00 - 15:30 (Europe/London) | Teesdale
This autumn we are looking for volunteers to help with plug planting on farms across Teesdale.
Plug planting helps to increase biodiversity, creates habitats for pollinators and conserves threatened wildflower species in hay meadows.
We will be plug planting at several locations across Teesdale throughout the autumn.
Plug planting dates:

23 September, 10:00 – 15:30
9 October, 10:00 – 15:30
17 October, 10:00 – 15:30
22 October, 10:00 – 15:30
29 October, 10:00 – 13:00 (followed by Bowlees Nursery drop in)
6 November, 10:00 – 15:30
27 November, 10:00 – 15:30
3 December, 10:00-15:30

All training and equipment will be provided
A general level of fitness is required, please wear outdoor clothing and sturdy shoes. The exact locations will be given closer to the dates.
Please sign up using the volunteer platform Better Impact.

The scheduling of monuments and developing the ‘Missing Pieces’ project volunteer day
2025-10-24 10:00 - 16:00 | North Pennines National Landscape office, 1 Martin Street, Stanhope,, DL132UY
Join us on Friday 24th October, 10am to 4pm, for a special volunteer day with Historic England. Guest speaker, Eric Branse-Instone, Listing Advisor from Historic England will share his expertise on scheduling industrial and lead mining sites, give an update on the Missing Pieces Project, and answer your questions.
We’re broadening our Land of Lead and Silver Project indoor working days — developing new ways to record and research our sites, from 3D digital modelling and photography to contextual and historical work.
Whether you have detailed knowledge or are completely new to these skills, this event is for you. Eric will spend the full day with us, exploring your work and sharing insights into national heritage practice. Come learn, connect, and get inspired.
This workshop is being run as part of Heritage Open Days and the National Landscape’s Land of Lead and Silver project.
Please sign up using the volunteer site Better Impact

Historic environment indoor working day
2025-10-24 10:00 - 16:00
These indoor working days follow each on-site working day, giving the opportunity to get involved with processing photogrammetry images into models, archiving condition assessment data, and undertaking historic research. You’ll have the chance to work with other volunteers and trained staff, while helping us to safeguard these important sites.
Please bring your lunch. Refreshments will be provided throughout the day. If you want to bring equipment with you, you are welcome to, but we will also have some equipment available for you to use.
You do not need to have attended the associated site day to join us for these indoor work sessions.
Dates – all at Stanhope from 10am to 4pm:
Friday 24 October
Friday 28 November
Friday 12 December
Please book using the Better Impact volunteer system

Historic environment on-site working day
2025-10-21 10:00 - 16:00
Come along and get involved in recording historic structures on working days at sites around the North Pennines. This is a chance to use your skills related to recording historic features, including photogrammetry and condition assessment. 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 weathers. You will also need a packed lunch, snacks and a drink. You are welcome to bring equipment with you, but we will also have some equipment available for you to use.
Dates:
Tuesday 21 October – Allen Mill, near Allendale, Northumberland
Tuesday 25 November – Dukesfield Smelt Mill, Northumberland tbc
Tuesday 9 December – Nenthead Mines, Cumbria
Please book using the Better Impact volunteer system

Pennine Way maintenance volunteer opportunity
2025-10-14 09:45 - 15:00 | Cow Green Reservoir
Volunteer opportunity to help keep the Pennine Way maintained. Help to repair of sections of boardwalk on 14 October, 9.45am to 3pm, near Cauldron Snout.
Due to the physical nature of the work, a reasonable level of fitness will be required and is suitable for 18+.
We will be undertaking repairs on a boardwalk alongside the Tees downstream from Cauldron Snout.
The most reasonable access to the boardwalk is by transporting the materials down the footpath at the side of Cauldron Snout. The walk in with equipment and materials is around 1km but will be made more difficult by the combination of terrain and long lengths of timber. Suitable footwear for the terrain is therefore advised; gloves will be provided if desired.
The session may take us past lunchtime, so please bring a packed lunch/drinks and bring warm waterproof clothing. All PPE (personal protective equipment) will be provided, including safety glasses, gloves and steel toe cap boots if you need to borrow some. Waterproofs and an extra layer are recommended as Cow Green has its own weather system, and doesn’t stick to the forecast.
Please sign up using the volunteer site Better Impact

Historic environment indoor working day
2025-10-03 10:00 - 16:00
These indoor working days follow each on-site working day, giving the opportunity to get involved with processing photogrammetry images into models, archiving condition assessment data, and undertaking historic research. You’ll have the chance to work with other volunteers and trained staff, while helping us to safeguard these important sites.
Please bring your lunch. Refreshments will be provided throughout the day. If you want to bring equipment with you, you are welcome to, but we will also have some equipment available for you to use.
You do not need to have attended the associated site day to join us for these indoor work sessions.
Dates – all at Stanhope from 10am to 4pm:
Wednesday 30 April
Wednesday 16 May
Wednesday 13 June
Wednesday 1 August
Wednesday 12 September
Wednesday 3 October
Wednesday 24 October
Wednesday 28 November
Wednesday 12 December
Please book using the Better Impact volunteer system

Wildflower seed sowing volunteer opportunity
2025-10-01 10:00 - 15:30 | Bowlees Visitor Centre, Newbiggin, DL12 0XF
Join us for a session of sorting and sowing wildflower seeds, on 1 October at Mickleton Village Hall, 10am to 3.30pm. We will be sowing seeds from important species such as wood crane’s-bill that have been collected from existing populations in Teesdale.
Once grown these plants will be used to enhance upland hay meadows in Teesdale.
Please sign up using the volunteer platform Better Impact.
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 in collaboration with the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Historic environment on-site working day
2025-09-30 10:00 - 16:00
Come along and get involved in recording historic structures on working days at sites around the North Pennines. This is a chance to use your skills related to recording historic features, including photogrammetry and condition assessment. 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 weathers. You will also need a packed lunch, snacks and a drink. You are welcome to bring equipment with you, but we will also have some equipment available for you to use.
Dates:
Tuesday 30 September – Coldberry Mine, new Middleton-in-Teesdale, County Durham
Tuesday 21 October – Allen Mill, near Allendale, Northumberland
Tuesday 25 November – tbc Dukesfield Smelt Mill, Northumberland
Tuesday 9 December – Nenthead Mines, Cumbria
Please book using the Better Impact volunteer system

Volunteer day at Bowlees tree nursery
2025-09-24 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-27 13:00 - 16:00 | Bowlees Visitor Centre, Newbiggin, DL12 0XF
Volunteer at Bowlees Wildflower and Tree Nursery on the last Wednesday of each month from 1pm to 4pm.
You can help with our nature recovery work by seed collecting and sowing, potting on, and watering plants. For more information email molly@northpennines.org.uk.
Sign up on the volunteer platform Better Impact
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.

Adder survey opportunities
2025-09-16 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-08-20 09:00 - 12:00 | Frosterley
Would you like to contribute to the conservation of adders in the North Pennines National Landscape?
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to complete surveys of this iconic reptile, which is now vulnerable to extinction in England, as part of our ‘Adders Up’ project.
Three opportunities to volunteer at a location near Frosterley, 16 July, 20 August and 16 September, 9am to 12 noon.
The surveys are ideally suited for adults, under 16’s must be supervised by an adult. Walking distances are short, but potentially over un-even terrain and on slopes. Please wear sturdy boots, outdoor clothing appropriate for the weather, bring snacks and drinks and a fully charged mobile phone. No toilets / amenities are present on the sites. Nearest options will be made known at the start of the session during the H&S briefing.
Please contact Henry Barrett for more information.
Please sign up using the volunteer system Better Impact.

Historic environment indoor working day
2025-09-12 10:00 - 16:00
These indoor working days follow each on-site working day, giving the opportunity to get involved with processing photogrammetry images into models, archiving condition assessment data, and undertaking historic research. You’ll have the chance to work with other volunteers and trained staff, while helping us to safeguard these important sites.
Please bring your lunch. Refreshments will be provided throughout the day. If you want to bring equipment with you, you are welcome to, but we will also have some equipment available for you to use.
You do not need to have attended the associated site day to join us for these indoor work sessions.
Dates – all at Stanhope from 10am to 4pm:
Friday 12 September
Friday 3 October
Friday 24 October
Friday 28 November
Friday 12 December
Please book using the Better Impact volunteer system

Adder survey opportunities
2025-09-10 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-08-27 09:00 - 12:00 | Acton Fell, Northumberland
Would you like to contribute to the conservation of adders in the North Pennines National Landscape?
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to complete surveys of this iconic reptile, which is now vulnerable to extinction in England, as part of our ‘Adders Up’ project.
There are three opportunities to volunteer at a location near Acton Fell, 27 August and 10 September, 9am to 12 noon.
The surveys are ideally suited for adults, under 16’s must be supervised by an adult. Walking distances are short, but potentially over un-even terrain and on slopes. Please wear sturdy boots, outdoor clothing appropriate for the weather, bring snacks and drinks and a fully charged mobile phone. No toilets / amenities are present on the sites. Nearest options will be made known at the start of the session during the H&S briefing.
Please contact Henry Barrett for more information.
Please sign up using the volunteer system Better Impact.

Historic environment on-site working day
2025-09-09 10:00 - 16:00
Come along and get involved in recording historic structures on working days at sites around the North Pennines. This is a chance to use your skills related to recording historic features, including photogrammetry and condition assessment. 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 weathers. You will also need a packed lunch, snacks and a drink. You are welcome to bring equipment with you, but we will also have some equipment available for you to use.
Dates:
Tuesday 9 September – location tbc
Tuesday 30 September – location tbc
Tuesday 21 October – location tbc
Tuesday 25 November – location tbc
Tuesday 9 December – location tbc
All other locations are to be confirmed.
Please book using the Better Impact volunteer system

Adder survey opportunities
2025-09-03 09:00 - 12:00 | Rookhope
Would you like to contribute to the conservation of adders in the North Pennines National Landscape?
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to complete surveys of this iconic reptile, which is now vulnerable to extinction in England, as part of our ‘Adders Up’ project.
There are three opportunities to volunteer at a location near Rookhope, 8 July, 6 August, 3 September, 9am to 12 noon.
The surveys are ideally suited for adults, under 16’s must be supervised by an adult. Walking distances are short, but potentially over un-even terrain and on slopes. Please wear sturdy boots, outdoor clothing appropriate for the weather, bring snacks and drinks and a fully charged mobile phone. No toilets / amenities are present on the sites. Nearest options will be made known at the start of the session during the H&S briefing.
Please contact Henry Barrett for more information.
Please sign up using the volunteer system Better Impact.

Pennine Way maintenance volunteer opportunity
2025-09-01 10:00 - 15:00 | Cronkley Farm
Help to repair a section of stone wall near Cronkley Fell on 1 September, 10am to 3pm.
Due to the physical nature of the work, a reasonable level of fitness will be required and is suitable for 18+.
The session may take us past lunchtime, so please bring a packed lunch/drinks and bring warm waterproof clothing. All PPE (personal protective equipment) will be provided, including safety glasses, gloves and steel toe cap boots if you need to borrow some.
Please sign up using the volunteer site Better Impact

Wildflower seed collecting
2025-08-27 10:00 - 13:00 | Teesdale
Volunteer with us for a session of collecting wildflower seeds from sites across Teesdale on 16 July, 30 July and 27 August, 10am to 1pm.
As part of the Tees-Swale: naturally connected programme wildflower seeds will be sown at workshops in the Autumn and the grown on into plants which can be used as part of the restoration and enhancement of meadows in Teesdale.
Please wear sturdy footwear and clothing suitable for the weather. The session going ahead on this date is dependent upon seasonal variations in the ripening of seeds. If the session has to be re-scheduled this will be communicated to people signed up no later than 24 hours prior to the session.
Sign up using the Better Impact volunteer system.

Volunteer event steward opportunities (Nenthead200)
2025-08-24 13:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-24 09:30 - 13:00, 2025-08-23 13:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-23 08:30 - 13:00 | Nenthead
2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the London Lead Company planning the village of Nenthead. To mark this occasion, we are holding a celebration event in the form of a traditional village fair over two days 23 and 24 August.
Come along and help us celebrate the unique mining heritage of Nenthead by stewarding at this event. There are various volunteer roles available including stewarding for the games, events, mines and carparking areas. All training will be provided.
By signing up to this event you will need to attend an online 2-hour stewarding training session on Thursday 21 August. Once you’ve booked onto your chosen stewarding shift(s), you will be contacted to book you onto the training. If you have any questions please email Rebecca Cadbury-Simmons.
The shifts available for the celebration event are:
Saturday 23 August, 8.30am-1pm
Saturday 23 August, 1pm-5pm
Sunday 24 August, 9.30am-1pm
Sunday 24 August, 1pm-5pm
Please sign up using the Better Impact volunteer link

Pennine Way maintenance volunteer opportunity
2025-08-20 10:00 - 15:00 | Langdon Beck
Volunteer opportunity to help keep the Pennine Way maintained. Help to repair of sections of boardwalk on 20 August, 10 am to 3pm, near Langdon Beck.
Due to the physical nature of the work, a reasonable level of fitness will be required and is suitable for 18+.
The session may take us past lunchtime, so please bring a packed lunch/drinks and bring warm waterproof clothing. All PPE (personal protective equipment) will be provided, including safety glasses, gloves and steel toe cap boots if you need to borrow some.
Please sign up using the volunteer site Better Impact

Adder survey opportunities
2025-08-19 09:00 - 12:00 | Mickleton
Would you like to contribute to the conservation of adders in the North Pennines National Landscape?
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to complete surveys of this iconic reptile, which is now vulnerable to extinction in England, as part of our ‘Adders Up’ project.
There are three opportunities to volunteer at a location near Mickleton, 30 July and 19 August, 9am to 12 noon.
The surveys are ideally suited for adults, under 16’s must be supervised by an adult. Walking distances are short, but potentially over un-even terrain and on slopes. Please wear sturdy boots, outdoor clothing appropriate for the weather, bring snacks and drinks and a fully charged mobile phone. No toilets / amenities are present on the sites. Nearest options will be made known at the start of the session during the H&S briefing.
Please contact Henry Barrett for more information.
Please sign up using the volunteer system Better Impact.

Nenthead200 volunteer committee meeting
2025-08-14 17:30 - 19:30 | Nenthead Village Hall, Nenthead, Alston, CA9 3PN
2025 will mark the 200th anniversary of the London Lead Company planning the village of Nenthead. To mark this occasion, we would like to organise a celebration event in the form of a traditional village fair.
Join us in helping to plan the mining event in Nenthead, in August next year. The group meets once a month in the lead up working together with the local community of Nenthead.
Please sign up using the volunteer system Better Impact
Please contact rebecca@northpennines.org.uk for more information.
This opportunity is aimed at people living locally to Nenthead or with a specific interest in the mining heritage of the area. Free refreshments provided. Children must be supervised by an adult. Wheelchair accessible, no designated parking but drop-off available near the entrance.

Volunteer opportunity - calaminarian seed collecting
2025-08-06 10:00 - 13:00 | Teesdale
Join us for a session of collecting seeds from rare calaminarian plant species in Langdon Beck, Teesdale, on Wednesday 6 August, 10am to 1pm.
Seeds will be sown at workshops this autumn and grown on into plants that can be used as part of the Tees-Swale: naturally connected programmes habitat restoration works on diffuse metals sites.
This activity is suitable for all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult.
Outdoor clothing to be worn, bring waterproofs and wear sturdy shoes. The session going ahead on this date is dependent upon seasonal variations in the ripening of seeds. If the session has to be re-scheduled this will be communicated to people signed up no later than 24 hours prior
Please sign up using the volunteer platform Better Impact.
