North Pennines National Landscape

Saturday stroll - a guided walk
2026-04-25 10:30 - 14:30 (Europe/London) | Holwick/Low Force
Enjoy the outdoors on a guided walk through a historical landscape on the last Saturday of every month. Join a small group of people taking in the surroundings, and learn about what shaped the landscape as well as the mining heritage.
Saturday strolls are approximately three miles in length on mostly flat ground and with rest breaks along the way.
This month’s walk will begin at 10.30am and finish at approximately 1pm. You are welcome to join us after the walk for free refreshments finishing by 2:30pm. Location is Holwick, Low force.
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 final details of the walk are subject to change, please check back closer to the event for final details. There are likely to be a couple of stiles to climb over on this walk.
Optional donation – suggested amount £3. Your donation enables the North Pennines National Landscape team to protect and restore this special place and help people connect with nature.
Please use the Ticketsource link to book.

Heritage podcast online information sessions
2026-04-23 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-04-21 11:00 - 12:00 | 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

Westgate - village history evenings
2026-04-22 18:00 - 20:00 | Westgate Village Hall, Front Street, Westgate, DL13 1RX
As part of the village histories project, we’ll be exploring and recording the natural and cultural heritage of Westgate and its surrounding area. There are sessions every month on a Wednesday, 6pm to 8pm, starting 25 February in the village hall at Westgate.
This exciting project aims to bring together local knowledge, memories, and research to create a lasting record for future generations, and there will be plenty of opportunities to get involved.
The group is aimed at residents of Westgate, those who live nearby, or simply have an interest in the history of the village.
Free refreshments will be available throughout the session.
Please use the Ticketsource link to book.

Image (c) – Tom Baldwin

Part of the Land of Lead and Silver project led by the North Pennines National Landscape team and funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England.

Volunteer day at Bowlees tree nursery
2026-04-22 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-03-25 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. 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

Volunteer woodland surveys
2026-04-22 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-04-11 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

North Pennines Young Archaeologists' Club
2026-04-18 10:00 - 13:00 | Alston Moor Recreation Ground and Pavilion, Alston, CA9 3HS
North Pennines YAC is open to everyone aged 8–16 years interested in archaeology.
Become a member of the North Pennines Young Archaeologists’ Club (YAC) and get involved in all sorts of activities, including visiting and investigating archaeological sites and historic places, trying out traditional crafts, taking part in excavations, and lots more.
The club meet once a month on a Saturday at Alston Moor Recreation Ground and Pavilion, 10am to 1pm. The first session of 2026 is 17 January. We encourage signing up for as many sessions as possible to get the best experience.
YAC is the place for young people who might want to become a professional archaeologist in the future, or just feel like taking up an amazing new hobby. It offers 8 to 16 year olds the chance to get their hands mucky, participating in archaeology and discovering why it matters. The clubs explore all eras of human history, including the Romans, Vikings, Ancient Egyptians and Victorians, and members take part in all sorts of hands-on activities, such as investigating archaeological sites and historic places, taking part in excavations, and working with artefacts.
The club also run lots of craft-based activities based on archaeological periods and technology, with members trying out many traditional crafts.
Please note that the location and timing of some sessions may change depending on the activities planned. Please check back closer to the date or email rebecca@northpennines.org.uk for more details.
Please use the link to Ticketsource to book.

Tree and hedge planting
2026-04-16 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-04-09 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-03-31 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-03-26 10:00 - 15:30 | 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

Drop-in family activity - sounds of spring
2026-04-15 13:00 - 16:00 | Bowlees Visitor Centre, Newbiggin, DL12 0XF
If you’re visiting Bowlees on a Wednesday in the school holidays but missed the Wild Wednesday session, take part in our free family friendly drop-in activity on 15 April, 1pm to 4pm.
Sounds of Spring: Explore the sounds around you and make your own instruments.
Please wear sturdy footwear, and clothing suitable for the weather and potentially messy activities.
This activity is self-led, but a member of staff will be around to help you out.

Wild Wednesday - sounds of spring
2026-04-15 10:30 - 12:30 | Bowlees Visitor Centre, Newbiggin, DL12 0XF
Wild Wednesdays are activities suitable for children aged five and over to enjoy and be creative.
In this session on Wednesday 15 April, 10.30am to 12.30pm, we will be exploring the sounds of spring, by recording the sounds around us, testing different materials and making our own instruments.
Suitable for children aged 5+. All children must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult. Please wear sturdy footwear, and clothing and sun protection suitable for the weather.
£2 per child (accompanying adults and under 5s free)
Please let us know if there is anything we can do to make this event more accessible and enjoyable for your family, such as sensory needs.
Please use the Ticketsource link to book

Drop-in family activity - den building
2026-04-08 13:00 - 16:00 | Bowlees Visitor Centre, Newbiggin, DL12 0XF
If you’re visiting Bowlees on a Wednesday in the school holidays but missed the Wild Wednesday session, take part in our free family friendly drop-in activity on 8 April, 1pm to 4pm.
Den building: Construct a shelter using the features and materials around you.
Please wear sturdy footwear, and clothing suitable for the weather and potentially messy activities.
This activity is self-led, but a member of staff will be around to help you out.

Wild Wednesday - den building
2026-04-08 10:30 - 12:30 | Bowlees Visitor Centre, Newbiggin, DL12 0XF
Wild Wednesdays are activities suitable for children aged five and over to enjoy and be creative.
The exciting challenge for Wednesday 8 April, 10.30am to 12.30pm, at Bowlees Visitor Centre is to build yourselves a den amongst the trees using sticks and other materials, with help and ideas from staff. What will you construct?
Suitable for children aged 5+. All children must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult. Please wear sturdy footwear, and clothing and sun protection suitable for the weather.
£2 per child (accompanying adults and under 5s free)
Please let us know if there is anything we can do to make this event more accessible and enjoyable for your family, such as sensory needs.
Please use the Ticketsource link to book

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

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

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.

Garden club - volunteer opportunity
2026-03-31 10:00 - 12:30 | Bowlees Visitor Centre, Newbiggin, DL12 0XF
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

Saturday stroll - a guided walk
2026-03-28 10:30 - 14:30 | Stanhope
Enjoy the outdoors on a guided walk through the historical landscape around Stanhope on the last Saturday of every month. Join a small group of people taking in the surroundings, and learn about what shaped the landscape as well as the mining heritage.
Saturday strolls are approximately three miles in length on mostly flat ground and with rest breaks along the way.
This month’s walk will begin at 10.30am and finish at approximately 1pm. You are welcome to join us after the walk for free refreshments finishing by 2:30pm.
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 final details of the walk are subject to change, please check back closer to the event for final details. There are likely to be a couple of stiles to climb over on this walk.
Optional donation – suggested amount £3. Your donation enables the North Pennines National Landscape team to protect and restore this special place and help people connect with nature.
Please use the Ticketsource link to book.

Archaeological landscape surveys - volunteer opportunity
2026-03-28 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-03-27 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-03-26 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-03-25 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-03-24 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.

Nenthead - village consultation - archaeological survey
2026-03-26 18:30 - 20:00 | 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.

Adder survey training
2026-03-26 09:00 - 12:30 | Park Bank, Blanchland
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. Training will follow on from the adder survey training webinar, covering safety, animal identification and survey techniques.
The training near Park Bank in Blanchland is on 26 March, 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.

Volunteer catch-up session: Land of Lead and Silver project
2026-03-25 11:30 - 15:30 | Cowshill Village hall
We are holding a volunteer catch-up and feedback session highlighting the volunteer work on the North Pennines National Landscape Land of Lead and Silver project. Join us on Wednesday 25 March, 11.30am to 3.30pm at Cowshill Village Hall, Cowshill.
This event is also an opportunity to show our thanks for the commitment you have made being a volunteer. Share your experiences of volunteering with the Land of Lead and Silver project. We would like to be responsive to your feedback and ideas.
Suitable for all ages, children must be supervised by an adult. There is no need to book, free refreshments will be available.
