North Pennines National Landscape

Hedge and tree planting
2025-02-04 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-01-29 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-01-20 10:00 - 15:30 (Europe/London) | Teesdale
Volunteer to help nature and improve habitat connectivity by planting hedgerows trees and on farms across Teesdale in January and February.
There are various dates available to volunteer.
January dates are: 29.
February dates are: 4, 10, 21, 22 and 26.
A light lunch will be provided but please bring any drinks and snacks. Volunteer opportunities may be postponed due to weather conditions, any changes will be communicated at least 24 hours before the event where possible.
Please contact William: william@northpennines.org.uk for more information or if you have a query.
Sign up using the Better Impact volunteer system

Middlehopeshield consultation
2025-01-29 18:00 - 19:30 | Westgate Village Hall, Front Street, Westgate, DL13 1RX
Join us at Westgate Village Hall on Wednesday 29 January, 6pm to 7.30pm, to discuss the planned interpretation at Middlehopeshield with heritage interpretation specialists, Maltings Studios, and the North Pennines National Landscape team.

Part of the Land of Lead and Silver project funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England, with subsequent funding from the Rural England Prosperity Fund and Defra’s Farming in Protected Landscapes scheme.

Volunteer day at Bowlees tree nursery
2025-01-29 13:00 - 16:00, 2024-11-27 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.

Volunteer opportunity - access work at Middlehopeshield
2025-01-28 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-01-21 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-01-20 10:00 - 15:00 | Westgate
Help us make access improvements to the path from Slitt Woods to Middlehopeshield.
The work will include creating a new line of path away from washing floor wall by cutting a terrace into slope, turfing over the existing line of the path, stabilising the slope with a drystone revetment wall, edging with a course of large stone covered with soil and turf, and surfacing with crushed aggregate.
Location:
What 3 words ///factoring.hounded.pedicure
Coordinates 54°44’54.1″N 2°08’25.4″W
Map link https://maps.app.goo.gl/5NDXPLm5mwZvSrBu6
Please sign up using the volunteer platform Better Impact

Saturday stroll - a guided walk
2025-01-25 10:30 - 12:30 | Dufton public car park
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 Dufton, Cumbria, on 25 January 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

Workshop - using archives for historical research
2025-01-21 10:00 - 15:00 | Carlisle Archive Centre, Petteril Bank Road, Carlisle, CA1 3AJ
In this workshop held at Cumbria Archives, Tuesday 21 January, 10am to 3pm, we’ll explore the different types of materials available, (such as letters, diaries, newspapers, photographs, wills, maps, and court records), and how to find and safely handle fragile items, and practice some essential research skills on original documents such as palaeography (reading old handwriting).
You will also be given an exclusive behind the scenes tour by the Cumbria Archives staff.
All are welcome from complete beginners to seasoned researchers. For those interested, there is the opportunity to hone these skills as part of an exciting longer research project exploring the social history of the men and women who shaped the North Pennines and its landscape.
Please sign up using the volunteer platform Better Impact

Nenthead200 volunteer committee meeting
2025-01-16 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 - access work at Middlehopeshield
2025-01-13 10:00 - 15:00 | Westgate
Help us make access improvements to the path from Slit Woods to Middlehopeshield.
The work will include creating a new line of path away from washing floor wall by cutting a terrace into slope, turfing over the existing line of the path, stabilising the slope with a drystone revetment wall, edging with a course of large stone covered with soil and turf, and surfacing with crushed aggregate.
Location:
What 3 words ///factoring.hounded.pedicure
Coordinates 54°44’54.1″N 2°08’25.4″W
Map link https://maps.app.goo.gl/5NDXPLm5mwZvSrBu6
Please sign up using the volunteer platform Better Impact

Volunteer opportunity - access work at Middlehopeshield
2025-01-07 10:00 - 15:00 | Westgate
POSTPONED until 20 and 21 January.
Help us make access improvements to the path from Slit Woods to Middlehopeshield.
The work will include creating a new line of path away from washing floor wall by cutting a terrace into slope, turfing over the existing line of the path, stabilising the slope with a drystone revetment wall, edging with a course of large stone covered with soil and turf, and surfacing with crushed aggregate.
Location:
What 3 words ///factoring.hounded.pedicure
Coordinates 54°44’54.1″N 2°08’25.4″W
Map link https://maps.app.goo.gl/5NDXPLm5mwZvSrBu6
Please sign up using the volunteer platform Better Impact

Volunteer opportunity - access work at Middlehopeshield
2025-01-06 10:00 - 15:00 | Westgate
POSTPONED
Help us make access improvements to the path from Slit Woods to Middlehopeshield.
The work will include creating a new line of path away from washing floor wall by cutting a terrace into slope, turfing over the existing line of the path, stabilising the slope with a drystone revetment wall, edging with a course of large stone covered with soil and turf, and surfacing with crushed aggregate.
Location:
What 3 words ///factoring.hounded.pedicure
Coordinates 54°44’54.1″N 2°08’25.4″W
Map link https://maps.app.goo.gl/5NDXPLm5mwZvSrBu6
Please sign up using the volunteer platform Better Impact

Saturday stroll - a guided walk
2024-12-28 10:30 - 12:30 | Hudeshope, DL12 0QY
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 Hudeshope, Middleton-in-Teesdale, on 28 December 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

Family friendly - hedge and tree planting
2024-12-14 10:00 - 15:30, 2024-11-30 10:00 - 15:30 | Teesdale
Spend time with the family outdoors helping to plant trees and hedgerows on farms across Teesdale this winter.
There are various dates available to join us. Saturday 30 November, Saturday 14 December, Sunday 19 January and over the half term break Saturday 22, Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 February, 10am to 3.30pm.
All equipment and help will be provided. Please wear outdoor clothing, bring waterproofs and wear boots with a sturdy sole.
A light lunch will be provided but please bring any drinks and snacks. You are welcome to leave earlier if needed. Volunteer opportunities may be postponed due to weather conditions, any changes will be communicated at least 24 hours before the event where possible. All children must be supervised by an adult.
Please contact William: william@northpennines.org.uk for more information or if you have a query.
Please sign up using the Better Impact volunteer system

Hedge and tree planting
2024-12-13 10:00 - 15:30, 2024-12-03 10:00 - 15:30, 2024-11-29 10:00 - 15:30 | Teesdale
Help us to create more space for nature and improve habitat connectivity by planting trees and hedgerows on farms across Teesdale this winter.
There are various dates available to volunteer. Friday 29 and Saturday 30 November. Tuesday 3, Friday 13 December. Dates for 2025 are Saturday 19 January, Saturday 22, Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 February, 10am to 3.30pm.
All training and equipment will be provided. Please wear outdoor clothing, bring waterproofs and wear boots with a sturdy sole. The activity is open to all but a general level of fitness needed. All children must be supervised by an adult.
A light lunch will be provided but please bring any drinks and snacks. You are welcome to leave earlier if needed. Volunteer opportunities may be postponed due to weather conditions, any changes will be communicated at least 24 hours before the event where possible.
Please contact William: william@northpennines.org.uk for more information or if you have a query.
Please sign up using the Better Impact volunteer system

Workshop - using archives for creative purposes
2024-12-12 13:00 - 17:00 | The Hive, Nenthead
In this creative hands-on workshop, at The Hive in Nenthead, Thursday 12th December, 1pm to 5pm, we’ll delve into captivating fragments of the past harnessing the theme of winter. Archives will be the source of inspiration to create vibrant artwork and compelling creative writing pieces.
You’ll have the opportunity to work with a range of original historic items on loan from local collections, along with a range of art materials. You will also receive guidance on how to locate archival material for your future creative projects.
This workshop is suitable for everyone who is curious about items such as photographs, newspaper articles, textiles, objects, long forgotten letters and diaries from the past that ignite the imagination.
Please sign up using the volunteer system Better Impact

Volunteer opportunity - access work at Middlehopeshield
2024-12-02 10:00 - 15:00 | Westgate
Help us make access improvements to the path from Slit Woods to Middlehopeshield.
The work will include moving materials for the access works, stone and gravel, into a trailer to move to the site by quad bike (2 December), creating a new line of path away from washing floor wall by cutting a terrace into slope, turfing over the existing line of the path, stabilising the slope with a drystone revetment wall, edging with a course of large stone covered with soil and turf, and surfacing with crushed aggregate (January 2025 dates).
Location:
What 3 words ///factoring.hounded.pedicure
Coordinates 54°44’54.1″N 2°08’25.4″W
Map link https://maps.app.goo.gl/5NDXPLm5mwZvSrBu6
Please sign up using the volunteer platform Better Impact

Postponed - Saturday stroll - a guided walk
2024-11-30 10:30 - 12:30 | Dufton public car park
Postponed
Walk with us through a historic landscape at a relaxed pace on the last Saturday of each month.
The venue on 30 November will be Dufton, Appleby-in-Westmorland. The walk will begin at 10.30am and finish at approximately 12.30pm. You are welcome to join us afterwards 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

Farming and nature talk: hefted to the floristic fells
2024-11-27 19:30 - 21:00 | Moorcock Inn, DL12 0AU
This winter we are holding a series of evening talks with the theme of examining the links between farming and nature. The talks, held at The Moorcock Inn in Eggleston, 7.30pm to 9pm, are open to farmers and landowners as well as members of the public. Each evening there will be an invited speaker with the opportunity of discussion afterwards.
At the third talk in our series, Dr Margaret Bradshaw will talk about her knowledge of the floristic treasures of Upper Teesdale and how important farming is to keep these botanical hotspots conserved into the future.
Dr Margaret Bradshaw is a well-known, 98 year-old botanist who has campaigned tirelessly to raise the profile of Upper Teesdale’s species-rich flora, and the importance of managing these areas through sensitive grazing. She has helped to set-up the Teesdale Special Flora Trust: https://www.teesdalespecialflora.uk/
Everyone welcome, booking required. If you are a Tees-Swale farmer you can come to this talk for free, please email Ruth Starr-Keddle or Patrick Oulton to get the code.

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.

Nenthead200 volunteer committee meeting
2024-11-27 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.
We’re seeking a group of enthusiastic volunteers to help us plan the mining event in Nenthead, in August next year. The group will meet once a month in the lead up to the event to help plan, advise, and to work together with the local community of Nenthead.
Everyone is welcome to come along to the first meeting on 27 November, 5.30pm to 7.30pm, at Nenthead Village Hall. Free refreshments provided. Children must be supervised by an adult. Wheelchair accessible, no designated parking but drop-off available near the entrance.

Volunteer opportunity - tree seed sowing
2024-11-27 10:00 - 13:00 | Bowlees Visitor Centre, Newbiggin, DL12 0XF
Join us at the Bowlees Visitor Centre on Wednesday 27 November, 10am to 1pm, for a session sowing seeds collected from local provenance trees such as juniper and alder.
The seeds will be grown on at Bowlees Tree & Wildflower Nursery before being planted out as part of the Tees-Swale: naturally connected programme.
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.

North Pennines Historic Environment Forum 2024
2024-11-23 10:00 - 16:00 | Allendale Village Hall, Leadgate, Allendale, NE47 9PR
Join us for the North Pennines Historic Environment Forum at Allendale Village Hall, Allendale Town, NE47 9PR, on Saturday 23 November, 10am to 4pm, for a day filled with talks from National Landscape staff and guest speakers.
Talks will include:

Land of Lead and Silver – end of year 1 update (Rebecca Cadbury-Simmons and Andie Harris)
Photogrammetry in the land of lead and silver – finding a new angle (Kevin Smith)
Consolidating heritage by Heritage Consolidation Ltd (Gary Simpson)
Modelling mines… and mining models: how 3D imaging can help us see, and conserve heritage (Nick Unwin)
The quaker history of the Allen and South Tyne Valleys (David Penn)
A sink to rising Fairy tale: cave exploration in Weardale (Adele Ward)
The old man and the fox: stories of the people who made mining history in Scordale (Ruth Wharton)

Talks and buffet lunch – £25 / Talks only – £15. Wheelchair accessible.
We are offering five free bursary places for the forum. There is no strict criteria for these places, they are available to anyone for whom the cost is prohibitive. To request a bursary place please email rebecca@northpennines.org.uk.
Please book using the TicketSource link

Volunteer opportunities - plug planting
2024-11-21 10:00 - 15:30 | Teesdale
Plug plants are young plants, and with help from volunteers the plants have been looked after for at least 12 months and are grown in deep rooting pots. Plants are grown from local provenance seed hand collected from species rich meadows, banks and roadsides in Teesdale.
We have various opportunities throughout autumn to help plug planting wildflowers into upland hay meadows in Teesdale. All training 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.
Volunteer dates are 24 September, 10 and 23 October, 7 and 21 November, 10am to 3.30pm. An extra date of 30 October 10am to 1pm is also available.
Please sign up using the volunteer platform Better Impact.

Introduction to local holdings research workshop
2024-11-13 13:00 - 17:00 | Alston Town Hall, Front Street, Alston, CA9 3RF
The introduction to local holdings research workshop, at Alston Town Hall, 13 November, 1pm to 5pm, will explore the many local collections available for conducting primary historical research as part of the Land of Lead and Silver project.
Help us unravel the variety of fascinating historical documents and artefacts. Together we will consider how to interpret different material to shed light on the often-overlooked captivating stories of those who lived and worked in the North Pennines lead mining communities.
All aged 18+ are welcome from complete beginners to seasoned researchers. There is also the exciting opportunity to hone these skills as part of a longer research project exploring the social history of the people who shaped the North Pennines and its landscape.
This work is part of the Land of Lead and Silver project, exploring the lead mining heritage that has shaped much of this landscape.
Please sign up using the volunteer system Better Impact
