North Pennines National Landscape

Volunteer waxcap surveys
2026-10-20 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-10-27 10:00 - 15:00 (Europe/London) | TBA
Volunteer to join us for a Waxcap Watch. Help us carry out waxcap surveys on farms in the North Pennines National Landscape.
Waxcap fungi are important because they are found in greater numbers on grasslands which have been managed in a traditional way, for a very long time. Many of them are scarce or in decline.
No prior experience is required. The sessions include crossing over open fields and will be outside all day. Please bring a packed lunch, sturdy footwear, and clothing suitable for all weathers. Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.
Location and dates: 10am to 3pm

Weardale 7 October
Allendale 13 October
Teesdale 20 October
Dufton 27 October

If you have access requirements, please contact us: communications@northpennines.org.uk
Sign up using the volunteer system Better Impact
This event is part of the North Pennines Landscape Connections programme funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players.

Volunteer opportunity to remove invasive Garden Lady’s-mantle
2026-10-22 10:00 - 15:30 | Langdon Beck
Join us for a practical day to help dig up and remove invasive garden Lady’s-mantle (Alchemilla mollis) from an area around an Upper Teesdale beck on Thursday 22 October, 10am to 3.30pm.
This area of Upper Teesdale in the North Pennines National Landscape 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, there is a risk of it spreading to further sites and possibly out-competing and replacing the important native plant communities.
This activity requires a good level of fitness as well as the ability to navigate uneven terrain. Training will be given on the morning of the event. Please bring packed lunch, and any other refreshments. Please wear outdoor clothing and bring waterproofs, and wear boots with a sturdy sole.
Exact location will be sent 48 hours prior to the event. Suitable for ages 18+.
Volunteer opportunities may be postponed due to weather conditions, any changes will be communicated at least 24 hours before the event where possible.
Delivered in partnership with Tees Rivers Trust.
Please sign up using the Better Impact volunteer platform.

Historic environment on-site working day
2026-10-27 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-11-19 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-12-08 10:00 - 16:00
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 – 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
2026-10-28 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-11-25 13:00 - 16:00, 2027-01-27 13:00 - 16:00, 2027-02-24 13:00 - 16:00, 2027-03-31 13:00 - 16:00, 2027-04-28 13:00 - 16:00, 2027-05-26 13:00 - 16:00, 2027-06-30 13:00 - 16:00 and 11 more dates | 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 ruth@northpennines.org.uk.
Sign up on the volunteer platform Better Impact

Lantern making and night-time mine trip
2026-11-01 16:30 - 19:30 | The Hive, Nenthead
Celebrate the dark skies of the North Pennines at this evening workshop held at The Hive, Nenthead, Sunday, 1 November 2026, 4:30pm to 7:30pm. The event includes an underground tour of mine led by knowledgeable volunteers from Nenthead Mines Conservation Society.
During this workshop you will learn how to make your own paper lantern that you will get to take away with you. Following the workshop, you will then be able to walk in the footsteps of miners past, and process through Nenthead mine using your lantern.
Accessibility information: the walk through the mine site and the underground portion is generally level and flat. The underground tour is generally tall enough to walk at full height, although the first approximately 30m requires you to duck as this is the lowest part of the mine. There are two short ladders to climb as part of the tour which have handrails and are firmly installed.
Suitable for children ages 7+. All children must be accompanied by an adult. All children will need to be able to walk by themselves. This event is not suitable for dogs. No designated parking, but drop-off near door. If you have access requirements, please contact us: communications@northpennines.org.uk
This event is free of charge but must be booked in advance – use the Ticketsource link to book your place.

This event is part of the North Pennines Stargazing Festival running from 16 October to 1 November 2026 – www.NorthPenninesStarFest.org
#NorthPennStarFest26 #NPennDarkSkies

Lantern making and night-time mine trip
2026-11-01 18:00 - 21:00 | The Hive, Nenthead
Celebrate the dark skies of the North Pennines at this evening workshop held at The Hive, Nenthead, Sunday, 1 November 2026, 6pm to 9pm. The event includes an underground tour of mine led by knowledgeable volunteers from Nenthead Mines Conservation Society.
During this workshop you will learn how to make your own paper lantern that you will get to take away with you. Following the workshop, you will then be able to walk in the footsteps of miners past, and process through Nenthead mine using your lantern.
Accessibility information: the walk through the mine site and the underground portion is generally level and flat. The underground tour is generally tall enough to walk at full height, although the first approximately 30m requires you to duck as this is the lowest part of the mine. There are two short ladders to climb as part of the tour which have handrails and are firmly installed.
Suitable for children ages 7+. All children must be accompanied by an adult. All children will need to be able to walk by themselves. This event is not suitable for dogs. No designated parking, but drop-off near door. If you have access requirements, please contact us: communications@northpennines.org.uk
This event is free of charge but must be booked in advance – use the Ticketsource link to book your place.

This event is part of the North Pennines Stargazing Festival running from 16 October to 1 November 2026 – www.NorthPenninesStarFest.org
#NorthPennStarFest26 #NPennDarkSkies

Mine site maintenance
2026-11-03 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-12-01 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, 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:
6 October
3 November
1 December
Sign up using the Better Impact volunteer link

Volunteer catch-up session: Land of Lead and Silver project
2026-12-10 11:30 - 15:30 | High Forest Community Centre, Sinderhope, NE47 9SJ
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 for a Christmas catch-up on 10 December, 11.30am to 3.30pm at High Forest Community Centre, Sinderhope.
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 festive refreshments will be available.
