North Pennines National Landscape

Volunteer opportunities - tree guard removal and re-staking
2024-07-12 10:00 - 15:00, 2024-06-19 10:00 - 15:00, 2024-06-14 10:00 - 15:00 (Europe/London) | Selset Reservoir, DL12 0PR
Join us for a day of removing old tree guards, re-staking guards and installing new guards where needed to a planting site on the south of Selset reservoir. A lovely site over looking Selset reservoir in Lunedale.
There are five opportunities to volunteer – Friday 14 June, Wednesday 19 June and Friday 12 July, 2 August and 14 August, 10am to 3pm, (finish time may be earlier depending on weather).
The site is on uneven terrain, a good level of fitness is needed. All equipment and training will be given on the day. Lunch is included, but please bring any other refreshments and a drink. Please note there are no toilet facilities at this site. Suitable for 18+.
Outdoor clothing to be worn and bring waterproofs. Ideally wear long sleeved top and long trousers due to midges and other insects in the longer grass and rushes. Wear sturdy shoes, the site can be wetter in some places.
Please sign up using the Better Impact Volunteer system

Mining inspired pottery workshop
2024-07-10 18:00 - 20:00 | TCR, The Hub, Barnard Castle
Join us for a free pottery workshop on Wednesday 10 July, 6pm to 8pm, to create artwork inspired by the North Pennines mining heritage. The workshop is intended for adults and being held at TCR The Hub, Shaw Bank, Barnard Castle DL12 8TD.
Have you ever wondered what shaped our landscape and influenced the culture of the North Pennines? Maybe you want to learn something new in a supportive, creative and social environment.
Join ceramicist, illustrator, and our current artist-in-residence, Abi Baker, to create artwork inspired by the lead and silver mining heritage. Abi will guide you through the process of making handmade ceramic tiles which will be used in the creation of a mixed media mosaic as part of the Land of Lead and Silver project.
This workshop is part of the 2024 Land of Lead and Silver community arts programme. To find out more go to https://northpennines.org.uk/community-arts-2024/.
Please use the Ticketsource link to book

Mining inspired pottery workshop
2024-07-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Bowlees Visitor Centre
Join us for a free pottery workshop on Tuesday 9 July, 6pm to 8pm, at Bowlees Visitor Centre, to create artwork inspired by the North Pennines mining heritage. The workshop is intended for adults.
Have you ever wondered what shaped our landscape and influenced the culture of the North Pennines? Maybe you want to learn something new in a supportive, creative and social environment.
Join ceramicist, illustrator, and our current artist-in-residence, Abi Baker, to create artwork inspired by the lead and silver mining heritage. Abi will guide you through the process of making handmade ceramic tiles which will be used in the creation of a mixed media mosaic, as part of the Land of Lead and Silver project.
This workshop is part of the 2024 Land of Lead and Silver community arts programme. To find out more go to https://northpennines.org.uk/community-arts-2024/.
Please use the Ticketsource link to book

Adult felted geode workshop
2024-07-07 13:00 - 15:00 | Cowshill Village hall
Learn how to felt with wool and create your own ‘crystal geode’ to take home in this workshop with Anna Osborne of Felt Curious.
This workshop for adults on 7 July, 10am to 12 noon, is being held at Cowshill Village hall, Cowshill. We will be taking inspiration from the unique geology of the North Pennines to make hollow ‘rocks’ from layers of coloured wool. Once felted, they are then cut open to reveal the magic within and embellished with crystals. Perfect for beginners of all ages, but also those who have had a go at felting and want to learn a new technique.
This workshop is part of the 2024 Land of Lead and Silver arts programme. Anna Osborne, of Felt Curious, is one of four successful community arts bursary recipients. To find out more go to https://northpennines.org.uk/community-arts-2024/.
Please use the Ticketsource link to book.

Pictorial postcards of the North Pennines workshop
2024-07-07 10:00 - 16:00 | Blanchland Village Hall, Clap Shaw, Consett, DH8 9UA
Join graphic artist and designer, Daniel J. Weatheritt, at Blanchland Village Hall, Blanchland, Sunday 7 July, 10am to 4pm, to create experimental postcard and stamp illustrations inspired by the North Pennines mining heritage. You will use mixed media techniques and Daniel’s special ‘randomizer’ resources to clash and collide wildlife, environmental and industrial themes. This workshop is suitable for adults.
All artworks will be digitally collated upon completion of the workshops and presented as a video projection inside a mysterious cabinet of curiosities.
This workshop is part of the 2024 Land of Lead and Silver community arts programme. Daniel Weatheritt is one of four community arts bursary recipients. To find out more go to https://northpennines.org.uk/community-arts-2024/.
Please use the Ticketsource link to book

A day at Hannah’s meadows
2024-07-07 10:00 - 15:30, 2024-07-06 10:00 - 15:30 | Low Birk Hatt Farm
To celebrate National Meadows Day, we have a weekend of activities at Low Birk Hatt farm in Baldersdale on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 July, 10am to 2pm, (with the option of a guided walk in the meadow until 3.30pm).
Spend a day learning about the life of Hannah Hauxwell, a farmer who lived an extraordinary life on a remote farm in Baldersdale. Explore the farm where she lived, see the wildflower meadows, enjoy a theatre production illustrating her life, and see an exhibition of items from her life from the Fitzhugh Library’s collection.
The day will start with a performance by Shelagh McKay Jones and Karen McDonnell, who said: “Hannah’s story, subject of many TV documentaries, has had us spellbound for decades. This Gig Theatre Production is a delightfully thought-provoking mix of spoken word, song and visual imagery illustrating Hannah’s struggle with the elements through her life-enhancing and uplifting story.”.
We will take a break for lunch, please bring your own picnic and a camping chair too. Tea and scones will be available.
In the afternoon, we will have an informal Q&A, followed by an optional meadow walk led by a member of the North Pennines National Landscape team.
This event is suitable for ages 18+. The terrain on the farm can be uneven, please wear suitable footwear. Dogs are not allowed at this event.
Please use the Ticketsource link to book

Family friendly felted geode workshop
2024-07-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Cowshill Village hall
Learn how to felt with wool and create your own ‘crystal geode’ to take home in this workshop with Anna Osborne of Felt Curious.
This family friendly workshop on 7 July, 10am to 12 noon, is being held at Cowshill Village hall, Cowshill. We will be taking inspiration from the unique geology of the North Pennines to make hollow ‘rocks’ from layers of coloured wool. Once felted, they are then cut open to reveal the magic within and embellished with crystals. Perfect for beginners of all ages, but also those who have had a go at felting and want to learn a new technique.
This workshop is part of the 2024 Land of Lead and Silver arts programme. Anna Osborne, of Felt Curious, is one of four successful community arts bursary recipients. To find out more go to https://northpennines.org.uk/community-arts-2024/.
Please use the Ticketsource link to book.

Volunteer opportunity
2024-07-03 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-06-28 10:00 - 16:00 | Langdon Beck
We are looking for volunteers to help us dig up and remove the invasive plant garden lady’s mantle (Alchemilla mollis) from an Upper Teesdale beck. There are three dates when you can help – Friday 28 June, Wednesday 3, and Thursday 11 July, 10am to 4pm.
This area of Upper Teesdale is especially important for the population of rare native plants that are found there. If the garden lady’s mantle is left to set seed, it poses a risk of spreading to further sites and possibly out competing and replacing the native plant communities there.
With your help, we are hoping to reduce the spread of garden lady’s mantle before it can continue spreading downstream, affecting other sites. The work site will be along the course of a beck so the terrain is expected to be rocky and potentially slippy. We may be working in the beck at times so please wear sturdy waterproof footwear. Wear outdoor clothing and bring waterproofs. Gloves, and tools will be provided on the day. This activity requires a good level of fitness as well as the ability to navigate uneven terrain.
Please sign up using the Better Impact volunteer system.

Wildflower seed collecting
2024-07-03 10:00 - 13:00 | Teesdale
Volunteer with us to help collect globeflower seeds from species-rich meadows in Teesdale on Wednesday 3 July, 10am to 1pm. Please note that the date has been altered from 26 June due to the ripening of the seeds.
Globeflower is an iconic species that is present in some of the best species-rich wet meadows. Its abundance in meadows has been reducing, and collecting seeds will allow the population to be expanding by growing and planting out globeflowers into meadows in Teesdale.
This event is suitable for all ages, children must be supervised by adult. Please wear outdoor clothing, bring waterproofs and wear sturdy shoes. The final location and meeting instructions will be communicated to volunteers at least 48 hours in advance.
Please sign up using the Better Impact Volunteer system

Woodland ground flora seed collecting
2024-07-01 10:00 - 13:00 | Teesdale
Join us for a day collecting the seeds of woodland ground flora plants such as bluebells, wild garlic, and wood anemone from woodland populations throughout Teesdale.
There are three opportunities to volunteer to help – Monday 1 July, Thursday 1 and Friday 30 August, 10am to 1pm, (the finish time may be earlier depending on the weather). Children must be supervised by an adult.
These woodland plants are very important element of woodland ecosystems, providing food sources and habitat for wildlife. As part of the Tees-Swale: naturally connected programme we are collecting seed from these plants to grow on and plant into recently created woodlands across Teesdale which currently lack a diverse assemblage of nectar rich plant species.
We aim to monitor and trial the success of introducing these plants into newly created woodlands, hopefully contributing to self-sustaining woodland ecosystems capable of supporting greater biodiversity.
Please use the Better Impact system to sign up.

Volunteer day at Bowlees tree nursery
2024-06-26 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.
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.

Traditional clippy-mat course
2024-06-24 18:30 - 20:30 | Carrshield Village Hall, Barney Craig, Carrshield, Northumberland, NE47 8AR, United Kingdom
Come and join us for a six-week traditional clippy-mat course at Carshield Village Hall where you will create your very own 18 x 18 inch rug, cushion, or wall hanging.
We’ll take a step back into history and explore the lives of the lead and silver miners and their families of the North Pennines. You will learn about the traditional techniques of clippy-mat making, which was an important craft in most North Pennines villages, taking inspiration from old photos and stories. We will conclude the six-week course by displaying all the creations together.
No prior experience is required. Participants are encouraged to be available for all of the sessions to ensure they get the most out of the course. Each workshop will run from 6.30pm to 8.30pm in Carrshield Village Hall on the following Mondays: 24 June, 1 July, 8 July, 15 July, 29 July and 5 August.
All equipment, materials, and refreshments will be provided. All you need to do is come along, create, learn, chat and enjoy.
This workshop is part of the 2024 Land of Lead and Silver community arts programme. Leanne Bain, of Hippy Lizard, was one of four community arts bursary recipients. To find out more go to https://northpennines.org.uk/community-arts-2024/.
Please book using the Ticketsource link:

Wildlife walk
2024-06-23 09:00 - 11:00 | The Waskerley Way
Join us on Sunday 23 June, 9am to 11am, for a walk along the Waskerley Way. Whilst walking, we will be keeping an eye out for birds, interesting plants, invertebrates, reptiles, and amphibians.
The walk will take in views of the stark and beautiful moorland landscape at Waskerley, County Durham. We will start with a short discussion about wildlife in the area, the importance of recording what we see, and the ongoing Adders Up project.
This event is for people of all abilities, with the majority of the walk being on well-surfaced footpaths and flat ground. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear. Bring drinks and snacks and binoculars if you have them. £2 per person.
Please use the Ticketsource link to book.

©Image Martin Rogers

Knitted smelters shawl workshop
2024-06-22 13:00 - 15:00 | Rookhope Village Hall, DL13 2 BP
Join us in honouring the legacy of the lead smelters and showcasing the timeless art of knitting. This workshop is being held at Rookhope Village Hall, Rookhope on Saturday 22 June, 1pm to 3pm, and is suitable for adults.
Last year, artist Carole McCourt stumbled upon a fascinating photograph of a group of smelters at Rookhope Smelt Mill, each donning a knitted shawl. This image sparked an idea: to celebrate this unique heritage skill and the rich history of lead smelters through a community project. Her vision is now coming to life as part of the North Pennines National Landscape’s Land of Lead and Silver project.
The workshop involves recreating a knitted shawl inspired by those in the historic photograph. Carole has developed a pattern that pays homage to the original shawls while allowing for creative expression. We are inviting local knitting groups and individual knitters to join us.
We will provide you with a pattern based on the historic shawls and some yarn to get you started. The pattern is designed to be simple enough for complete beginners, but it also offers opportunities for experienced knitters to showcase their skills with techniques like Fair Isle and cabling.
This workshop is part of the 2024 Land of Lead and Silver community arts programme. Carole McCourt is one of four community arts bursary recipients. To find out more go to https://northpennines.org.uk/community-arts-2024/.
Please use the Ticketsource link to book.

Saturday stroll - a guided walk
2024-06-22 10:30 - 12:30 | Garrigill, CA9 3DS
Join us for a guided walk through a historic landscape at a relaxed pace on the last Saturday of each month.
The walk starting at Garrigill, near Alston, on 22 June, will begin at 10.30am and finish at approximately 12.30pm. You are welcome to join us after the walk for free refreshments finishing by 2pm.
All ages are welcome (children must be accompanied by an adult and must be able to walk or be carried as the paths may not be suitable for pushchairs). Well behaved dogs on a short lead are welcome. The walks will be approximately 3 miles in length on mostly flat ground and with rest breaks along the way. The final details of the walk are subject to change, please check back closer to the event for final details.
Optional donation – suggested amount £2. We will use donations to continue the work of the Land of Lead and Silver project supporting volunteers and community activities after the project ends.
To book please use the Ticketsource link

Reading the landscape
2024-06-22 10:00 - 15:00 | Bowlees Visitor Centre
Spend the day exploring how to read the landscape on Saturday 22 June, 10am to 3pm. You will be introduced to geological maps, how they are made and what they can show us with local geologist Brian Young.
Please note that the date has altered from 8 June to 22 June.
This event will involve a gentle walk of around 3 miles (4.5km) on footpaths starting at Bowlees Visitor Centre, exploring the variety of rocks and features in the area and seeing how they affect the landscape and vegetation. Along the way, you will have a go at creating your own geological map of the route. No prior geological knowledge is required, just an interest in the countryside.
This will be a full day outdoors, so please come dressed for the weather including sturdy shoes, and bring water-proofs and lunch or snacks. Some sections of path are uneven and there are a couple of stiles to climb over along the route. Ideally suited for adults. £6 per person.
This event is part of North Pennines NatureFest running from Saturday 24 May to Sunday 9 June 2024 and celebrates European Geoparks Week. See the full programme at www.NorthPenninesNatureFest.org.uk #NorthPenninesNatureFest24
Please book using the Ticketsource link

© North Pennines National Landscape

Botanical training opportunities
2024-06-20 09:45 - 16:00, 2024-06-13 09:30 - 16:30 | Bowlees Visitor Centre
We are looking for volunteers to help with botanical surveys on a selection of upland hay meadows that have been restored through seed addition between the third week of June until late July. Groups of 2/3 volunteers will undertake 15 quadrats (1m x 1m square) per meadow. One meadow with 15 quadrats may take between 1-2 days.
There are 3 days of free training for beginner’s, and also botanists wishing to refresh their skills. We require a minimum involvement of 1 full day of helping to survey a meadow following the training.
Beginners should attend all three days, if possible. More experienced botanists can choose which days to attend based on their previous experience. Volunteers need to sign-up to each of these 3 training days separately:
Day 1: Wildflower Identification training, Thursday 6 June.
Day 2: Grasses and sedges Identification training, Thursday 13 June.
Day 3: Botanical surveys using quadrats training, Thursday 20 June.
The morning will be spent at Bowlees Visitor Centre. In the afternoon there will be a botany walk along The Pennine Way. The training will be undertaken by Ruth Starr-Keddle, if you have any queries, please email: ruth@northpennines.org.uk.
Please sign up using the Better Impact volunteer system

Felted geode workshop for adults
2024-06-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Brewhouse Studio, The Brewery, The Raise, Alston
Learn how to felt with wool and create your own ‘crystal geode’ to take home with Anna Osborne, of Felt Curious, in this workshop for adults.
Join us Wednesday 19 June, 6pm to 8pm, at Brewhouse Studios, The Brewery, The Raise, Alston. We will be taking inspiration from the unique geology of the North Pennines to make hollow ‘rocks’ from layers of coloured wool.
Once felted, they are then cut open to reveal the magic within and embellish with crystals. THis workshop is perfect for beginners, but also those who have had a go at felting and want to learn a new technique.
This workshop is part of the 2024 Land of Lead and Silver community arts programme. Anna Osborne, of Felt Curious, is one of four community arts bursary recipients. To find out more go to https://northpennines.org.uk/community-arts-2024/.
Please use the Ticketsource link to book.

Adult felted geode workshop
2024-06-16 13:00 - 15:00 | Allendale Village Hall, Leadgate, Allendale, NE47 9PR
Learn how to felt with wool and create your own ‘crystal geode’ to take home in this workshop with Anna Osborne of Felt Curious.
This adult workshop on 16 June, 1pm to 3pm, is being held at Allendale Village Hall, Leadgate, Allendale Town, Hexham. We will be taking inspiration from the unique geology of the North Pennines to make hollow ‘rocks’ from layers of coloured wool.
Once felted, they are then cut open to reveal the magic within and embellished with crystals. Perfect for beginners of all ages, but also those who have had a go at felting and want to learn a new technique.
This workshop is part of the 2024 Land of Lead and Silver arts programme. Anna Osborne, of Felt Curious, was one of four successful community arts bursary recipients. To find out more go to https://northpennines.org.uk/community-arts-2024/.
Please use the Ticketsource link to book.

Family friendly felted geode workshop
2024-06-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Allendale Village Hall, Leadgate, Allendale, NE47 9PR
Join us for a family friendly felted geode workshop on Sunday 16 June, 10am to 12 noon, at Allendale Village Hall, Leadgate, Allendale Town, Hexham.
Learn how to felt with wool and create your own ‘crystal geode’ to take home in this workshop with Anna Osborne of Felt Curious. We will be taking inspiration from the unique geology of the North Pennines to make hollow ‘rocks’ from layers of coloured wool.
Once felted, they are then cut open to reveal the magic within and embellished with crystals. Perfect for beginners of all ages, but also those who have had a go at felting and want to learn a new technique.
This workshop is part of the 2024 Land of Lead and Silver arts programme. Anna Osborne, of Felt Curious, was one of four successful community arts bursary recipients. To find out more go to https://northpennines.org.uk/community-arts-2024/.
Please book using the Ticketsource link

Mining heritage condition assessment training
2024-06-13 10:00 - 16:00
Do you have an interest in the historic environment and lead mining heritage of the North Pennines and a passion about its conservation? We have an exciting volunteer opportunity to be trained in surveying and assessing the condition of these historic monuments.
Condition assessment is an important part of protecting the past as it helps us to understand how the sites might be deteriorating over time and what threats there might be. The information gained during these assessments will be passed on to Historic England for them to monitor and consider for future consolidation works.
In this workshop you will learn about the threats that can be present on historic sites, as well as how to record them accurately to help safeguard their future. All equipment will be provided.
This day will be spent outdoors, location to be confirmed. Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear walking boots. You will also need to bring a packed lunch, and sufficient water to last you the day.
Please sign up using the Better Impact volunteer platform.

The Bonny Bits - minerals of the North Pennines talk
2024-06-09 19:00 - 20:30 | Hexham Community Centre
Join us on Sunday 9 June, 7pm to 8.30pm, at Hexham Community Centre for a talk by geologist, Brian Young, which will explore some of the many spectacular and beautiful minerals for which the North Pennine dales are world-renowned.
The talk, lasting approximately one hour, is an overview with anecdotes, accompanied by striking photographs, of these minerals; what they are, how they formed, where they came from, where to see them today, and why they matter.
The talk is ideally suited for adults, £4 per person. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided. Please let us know if you have any allergies or dietary requirements for refreshments. Please let us know if you have any access requirements that we can help with.
This event is part of North Pennines NatureFest running from Saturday 24 May to Sunday 9 June 2024 and celebrates European Geoparks Week. See the full programme at www.NorthPenninesNatureFest.org.uk #NorthPenninesNatureFest24
Image credit: (c) Jesse Fisher/UK Mining Ventures
Please use the Ticketsource link to book

Peatlands of the Pennines
2024-06-09 10:00 - 15:00 | Nateby Road, Kirkby Stephen
Join us on Sunday 9 June 10am to 3pm for an 8km walk through various peatland habitats up to Nine Standards Rigg, returning by an alternative route.
The walk will provide plenty opportunities to learn about peatlands of the North Pennines, the ecosystem services they provide, the restoration work underway, and time to learn about the flora and fauna present.
The event is suitable for ages 10+ due to the walk being moderately strenuous with steep inclines. sturdy footwear is required and a suitable level of fitness to walk for 3 hours.
Please bring lunch and a flask with you as we will be stopping for lunch with a view on the fell. The event is not suitable for dogs. The meeting location is the County Boundary layby on the Nateby road. Full details given upon booking.
This event is part of North Pennines NatureFest running from Saturday 24 May to Sunday 9 June 2024. See the full programme at www.NorthPenninesNatureFest.org.uk #NorthPenninesNatureFest24
Please use the Ticketsource link to book.

Open Farm Sunday at Bowlees Farm
2024-06-09 10:00 - 14:00 | Bowlees Farm, Newbiggin, DL12 0XE
As part of the National Open Farm Sunday event, Bowlees Farm in Teesdale will open its gates for people to understand more about farming in the area, take part in art workshops, learn from the farmer about what they do and go on a farm walk. This is a family friendly event, open to all ages. For more details about the initiative visit the Open Farm Sunday website – https://farmsunday.org/
Further details are available on the booking page e.g. parking, description of activities, timings.
This event is free but please book on via https://farmsunday.org/visit-a-farm/shareEvent/71816
Family friendly event. No dogs please.
This event is aimed at families and anyone who is wanting to learn more about farming and where their food comes from.
This event is part of North Pennines NatureFest running from Saturday 24 May to Sunday 9 June 2024 and Open Farm Sunday. See the full programme at www.NorthPenninesNatureFest.org.uk #NorthPenninesNatureFest24
Image is (c) Martin Rogers Photography.

Six Inches of Soil
2024-06-08 18:30 - 22:00 | Mickleton Village Hall, DL12 0JY
Join us for a film screening of Six Inches of Soil, at Mickleton Village hall, followed by a discussion and question and answer session on Saturday 8 June, starting at 7pm. The length of the film is 93 minutes. The session after lasting approximately one hour.
Six Inches of Soil follows the inspiring story of British farmers standing up against the industrial food system and transforming the way they produce food – to heal the soil, benefit our health and provide for local communities. The film follows the highs and lows of three new farmers on their regenerative journey: Anna Jackson, a Lincolnshire 11th generation arable and sheep farmer; Adrienne Gordon, a Cambridgeshire small-scale vegetable farmer; and Ben Thomas, who rears pasture fed beef livestock in Cornwall.
As the trio of young farmers strive to adopt regenerative practices and create viable businesses, they meet seasoned mentors who help them on their journey. They are joined by other experts providing wisdom and solutions from a growing movement of people who are dedicated to changing the trajectory for food, farming and the planet. The film is categorised as a PG.
This event is part of North Pennines NatureFest running from Saturday 24 May to Sunday 9 June 2024. See the full programme at www.NorthPenninesNatureFest.org.uk #NorthPenninesNatureFest24
Please book using the Ticketsource link.

Image © Six Inches of Soil Ltd and DragonLight Films.
