Historic environment on-site working day
2026-02-26 10:00 - 16:00 (Europe/London) | Rookhope Arch
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

Historic environment: indoor working day
2026-02-27 10:00 - 16:00 | North Pennines National Landscape office, 1 Martin Street, Stanhope,, DL132UY
These indoor sessions held in Stanhope, build on our field recording work and gives volunteers the opportunity to develop their skills further. During the day we will process the photographs collected on site to create detailed photogrammetry models, exploring how digital techniques can enhance our understanding of historic landscapes.
The first indoor session for 2026 is Friday 30 January, 10 am to 4pm.
Volunteers will also work with a range of sources—including written accounts, LiDAR data and QGIS mapping—to place the recorded lead mining sites in their wider historical context. Our findings will be added to Historic England’s Missing Pieces project, helping to expand and enrich the national record.
No previous experience is needed; this session is designed to support beginners while offering plenty of scope for those wishing to grow their research and digital heritage skills.
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 for 2026 – all at Stanhope are drop in sessions from 10am to 4pm:
• Friday 30th January – Cancelled due to adverse weather conditions
• Friday 27th February
• Friday 1st May
• Friday 29th May
• Friday 26th June
• Friday 31st July
• Friday 25th September
• Friday 30th October
• Friday 27th November
• Friday 11th December)
Please sign up using the Better Impact volunteer system

Saturday stroll - a guided walk
2026-02-28 10:30 - 14:30 | Eggleston
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 starting in Eggleston, on 28 February 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. Exact location to be confirmed.
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.

Sculpture trail public consultation
2026-02-28 14:00 - 17:00 | UTASS, 9-11 Chapel Row, Barnard Castle, DL12 0SN, United Kingdom
Come and share your views on a new sculpture trail proposed for Middleton-in-Teesdale. The informal consultation, led by the North Pennines National Landscape team as part of the Land of Lead and Silver project, is on Saturday 28 February, 2pm to 5pm at UTASS.
This public consultation event will give you the chance to find out more about the proposed trail, hear how the artist plans to create the sculptures, ask questions and share your ideas or suggestions. Whether you’re interested in the heritage of Teesdale, enjoy walking in the area, or are simply curious about new ways to explore the landscape, everyone is welcome.
Free refreshments will be available. All welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult. No need to book.
This event is part of the engagement for a proposed sculpture trail celebrating the landscape, history and heritage of the Middleton-in-Teesdale area.

Mine site maintenance
2026-03-03 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, 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
5 May
2 June
7 July
4 August
1 September
6 October
3 November
1 December
Sign up using the Better Impact volunteer link

Historic environment research workshop: unlocking the asylum archives
2026-03-03 12:00 - 16:00 | Carlisle Archive Centre, Petteril Bank Road, Carlisle, CA1 3AJ
Join us for an exciting skills workshop at Carlisle Archives as part of a new volunteer research project “Melancholy, Mania and Metallurgy: Unlocking the Asylum Archives”. This project will be uncovering the stories of North Pennines lead miners and their families who spent time in county asylums.
The workshop, on Tuesday 3 March, 12 noon to 4pm, is an opportunity to learn archive skills and interact with historical material from the Garlands Hospital collection (formerly known as Cumberland and Westmorland County Lunatic Asylum). It will include:
• A behind the scenes tour of the archive
• A display class with historical material from the Garlands Hospital collection (patient registers, illustrated casebooks, post-mortem reports) exploring how to use them and what they can tell us
• An illustrated history of Cumberland and Westmorland County Lunatic Asylum
• Introduction to palaeography skills (reading old handwriting) with an activity using original documents
• Introduction to digital resources session with an activity using Ancestry records
Please note that this project is for adults only. Historical documents use outdated terminology to describe disability and mental health conditions and may also contain material that some people find offensive or distressing.
Please sign up using the volunteer platform Better Impact
Image (c) Ninesergeants

Pennine Way volunteer information sessions - online
2026-03-03 18:30 - 19:30 | Online
We are looking for volunteers to join our team of Pennine Way People – a team of volunteers who help us monitor and maintain a 73-mile stretch from Tan Hill on the Teesdale/ North Yorkshire border to Greenhead in Northumberland. We are holding two online information sessions, which will be for about an hour, on Tuesday 3 March and Monday 9 March, to share more details of how to get involved.
The route attracts thousands of walkers every year and when combined with temperamental weather conditions the trail can become a victim of its own success, with the ground underfoot becoming boggy and eroded, and stiles and gates becoming difficult to use.
How can you can get involved?
We are looking for:-
Champion volunteers – people who will ‘adopt’ a stretch of the Pennine Way. This involves walking a designated stretch of the route 3 to 5 times per year and reporting any problems.
Buddy volunteers – those who may be available to double up with a champion on certain stretches and help with transport logistics from the start to the finish of the route..
Maintenance volunteers – those that can help with a regular programme of practical works including stile repairs, drystone walling, path resurfacing and drainage works.
Join a session without commitment, find out about what is entailed with each of the roles, and to let you know how you can register your interest and what the next steps will be. No prior experience is required but an appropriate level of fitness suited to the volunteer role would be beneficial.
Please register to attend one of the two events here via our TicketSource platform.

If you have any other questions or are unable to attend one of the designated information sessions, please feel free to contact Adam Crolla at adamc@northpennines.org.uk or Emma Harle at Eharle@northpennine.org.uk

North Pennines Young Archaeologists' Club
2026-03-07 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.

Pennine Way volunteer information sessions - online
2026-03-09 18:30 - 19:30 | Online
We are looking for volunteers to join our team of Pennine Way People – a team of volunteers who help us monitor and maintain a 73-mile stretch from Tan Hill on the Teesdale/ North Yorkshire border to Greenhead in Northumberland. We are holding two online information sessions, which will be for about an hour, on Monday 9 March, to share more details of how to get involved.
The route attracts thousands of walkers every year and when combined with temperamental weather conditions the trail can become a victim of its own success, with the ground underfoot becoming boggy and eroded, and stiles and gates becoming difficult to use.
How can you can get involved?
We are looking for:-
Champion volunteers – people who will ‘adopt’ a stretch of the Pennine Way. This involves walking a designated stretch of the route 3 to 5 times per year and reporting any problems.
Buddy volunteers – those who may be available to double up with a champion on certain stretches and help with transport logistics from the start to the finish of the route..
Maintenance volunteers – those that can help with a regular programme of practical works including stile repairs, drystone walling, path resurfacing and drainage works.
Join a session without commitment, find out about what is entailed with each of the roles, and to let you know how you can register your interest and what the next steps will be. No prior experience is required but an appropriate level of fitness suited to the volunteer role would be beneficial.
Please register to attend one of the two events here via our TicketSource platform.

If you have any other questions or are unable to attend one of the designated information sessions, please feel free to contact Adam Crolla at adamc@northpennines.org.uk or Emma Harle at Eharle@northpennine.org.uk

Archaeological landscape surveys - volunteer opportunity
2026-03-10 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-03-11 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-03-12 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-03-13 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-03-14 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-03-17 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-03-18 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-03-19 10:00 - 15:00 and 2 more dates | 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.

Volunteer day at Bowlees tree nursery
2026-03-11 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

Northern Adders Conference
2026-03-14 09:30 - 16:30 | Tullie House Museum, Castle Street, Carlisle, CA3 8TP
The North Pennines National Landscape is hosting the Northern Adders Conference on Saturday, 14 March 2026, 9.30am to 4.30pm.
The conference will focus on adders in the north, exploring conservation, research, education and engagement, and the particular challenges and opportunities that exist in northern landscapes.
This full-day conference is open to anyone with an interest in adder conservation, and delegates will have the opportunity to learn about efforts to protect this vulnerable species and hear about ways that adders are being celebrated in the North.
There is an opportunity for people who are undertaking research in this field to submit and display a research poster at the conference. If you are interested in this option please email samuel@northpennines.org.uk
Booking is essential – if you would like to attend, please book online using the booking form below. Refreshments and lunch will be provided.

Tree and hedge planting
2026-03-16 16:43, 2026-03-18 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

Rural women in business workshop
2026-03-17 10:00 - 15:00 | Allendale Village Hall, Leadgate, Allendale, NE47 9PR
The North Pennines National Landscape team and the National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE) are running a free workshop for rural women in business across the North Pennines, on Tuesday 17 March, 10am to 3pm at Allendale Village Hall.
This event aims to bring local women together to share experiences, build connections and explore opportunities. Inspiring rural businesswomen will lead the session, paving the way for stimulating conversations about needs, aspirations and the realities of running a business in rural areas.
The event also offers a valuable opportunity for informal networking and peer support. The workshop will help shape a future two-year enterprise support programme tailored specifically to rural women in the North Pennines.
Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
To book, please use the Ticketsource link.

Rural women in business workshop
2026-03-18 10:00 - 15:00 | Eggleston Village Hall
The North Pennines National Landscape team and the National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE) are running a free workshop for rural women in business in the North Pennines, Wednesday on 18 March, 10am to 3pm at Eggleston Village Hall.
This event aims to bring local women together to share experiences, build connections and explore opportunities. Inspiring rural businesswomen will lead the session, paving the way for stimulating conversations about needs, aspirations and the realities of running a business in rural areas.
The event also offers a valuable opportunity for informal networking and peer support. The workshop will help shape a future two-year enterprise support programme tailored specifically to rural women in the North Pennines.
Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
To book, please use the Ticketsource link.

Westgate Village history evenings
2026-03-18 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) – Westgate Glebe Farm, Phillipson

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.

Adder survey training
2026-03-19 09:00 - 12:30 | Slaley Forest, NE47 0BY
Apologies, bookings are now closed for this event.
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 at Longburnford Quarry Nature Reserve near Castleside is on 19 March, 9am to 12.30pm. Full details of the meeting point will be given when signing up to volunteer.
There are two other opportunities available, 26 March and 2 April at different locations.
The session is suitable for adults, and children over the age of 12 who are supervised. Unsuitable for wheelchairs, dogs and young children.
Apologies, bookings are now closed for this event.

Rural women in business workshop
2026-03-19 10:00 - 15:00 | Melmerby Village Hall, Church Road, Melmerby, Cumbria, CA10 1HE, United Kingdom
The North Pennines National Landscape team and the National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE) are running a free workshop for rural women in business in the North Pennines, on Thursday 19 March, 10am to 3pm at Melmerby Village Hall, Cumbria.
This event aims to bring local women together to share experiences, build connections and explore opportunities. Inspiring rural businesswomen will lead the session, paving the way for stimulating conversations about needs, aspirations and the realities of running a business in rural areas.
The event also offers a valuable opportunity for informal networking and peer support. The workshop will help shape a future two-year enterprise support programme tailored specifically to rural women in the North Pennines.
Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
To book, please use the Ticketsource link.

Sculpture trail scanning session
2026-03-21 11:30 - 19:30 | UTASS, 9-11 Chapel Row, Barnard Castle, DL12 0SN, United Kingdom
Get involved in a new sculpture trail around Middleton-in-Teesdale and join us for a free scanning session at UTASS, on Saturday 21 March, 11.30am to 7.30pm.
This session will build on ideas gathered during the public consultation on 28 February, finding out about people’s connections to lead mining in the area. The artist creating the sculptures will be 3D scanning those who have volunteered to be scanned for a sculpture.
No previous experience required, guidance and support will be provided throughout the day which will run as a flexible, workshop-style event.
Please book a 30 minute slot via the Ticketsource link for a scanning session.

This event is part of the North Pennines National Landscape’s project, the Land of Lead & Silver Project’s work to celebrate and share the rich landscape, history and heritage of the Middleton-in-Teesdale area through new ways of exploring the North Pennines.

Garrigill village history project - public consultation
2026-03-22 11:00 - 16:00 | Garrigill Village Hall
Drop-in to our public consultation session at Garrigill Village Hall on Sunday 22 March, 11am to 4pm, to find out about an exciting new village histories project.
The project will be exploring and recording the natural, cultural, and industrial heritage of the Garrigill and the surrounding area, bringing together local knowledge, memories and archival research to create a lasting record for future generations.
At the public consultation there will be the opportunity to:
• Contribute ideas to help shape the content and focus of the project
• Learn more about the Village Histories project and how you can get involved
• Share knowledge, photographs, and personal memories
All are welcome, whether you live locally or are simply curious about the Garrigill’s rich industrial history, folklore, and dialect.
Free refreshments and children’s activities will be available throughout the sessions.
