North Pennines National Landscape

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 (Europe/London) and 7 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.

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.

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.

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.

Heritage podcast online information sessions
2026-04-21 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-04-23 18:00 - 19:00 | 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, 2026-05-20 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.

Historic environment on-site working day
2026-04-28 10:00 - 16:00 | Nenthead Mines
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. New and experienced volunteers are most welcome.
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 on-site working day
2026-05-27 10:00 - 16:00 | Lune Head Mine, Lunedale
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 – Lune Head 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 catch-up session: Land of Lead and Silver project
2026-06-17 11:30 - 15:30 | Croglin 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 17 June, 11.30am to 3.30pm at Croglin Village Hall, Cumbria.
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.

Westgate - village history evenings
2026-06-17 18:00 - 20:00 | Westgate Village Hall, Front Street, Westgate, DL13 1RX

Historic environment on-site working day
2026-06-23 10:00 - 16:00 | Lady’s Rake Mine
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

Metal point drawing workshop
2026-07-11 10:30 - 15:30 | High Forest Community Centre, Sinderhope, NE47 9SJ
Explore the unique qualities of metal point drawing in this Rooted in Lead workshop, on Saturday 11th July, 10.30am to 3.30pm at High Forest Community Centre, Sinderhope.
The workshop is suitable for adults of all abilities. No previous drawing experience is needed and will be led by artist Carole McCourt. You will draw using metals that directly reference the mining history of the North Pennines and the materials once extracted from its hillsides such as lead, silver and copper.
The session begins with an introduction to historical metal point techniques, learn how metal point works, why artists have used it for centuries, and what makes it so distinctive.
You will then create your own detailed botanical drawings inspired by the rare metalliferous plants that grow on former lead mining sites and explore the fine lines, subtle tonal shifts and luminous qualities that metal point can produce.
All materials and refreshments provided.
Please book your place using the link to TicketSource

Westgate Village history evenings
2026-07-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Westgate Village Hall, Front Street, Westgate, DL13 1RX

Westgate Village histories archive visit
2026-07-17 12:00 - 17:00 | Westgate Village Hall, Front Street, Westgate, DL13 1RX
The Westgate Village Histories archive visit, on Friday 17 July, 1pm to 4pm, will explore the Weardale Chest Collection, held at Palace Green Library, Durham.
The manuscript material found in the chest dates from 1579 to 1660 and includes first hand witness testimonies from Westgate residents. It tells the fascinating story of a commonwealth era legal battle between Weardale tenants and their new Parliementarian landlord, Sir Arthur Hesilrige.
The workshop will include a palaeography training session using original documents, led by archivist Andrew Gray. As well as the rare opportunity to view the sixteenth century oak chest, situated in the historic Bamburgh Library.
Transport will be provided to and from Westgate Village. The minibus will leave Westgate Village Hall at 12 noon and return for around 5pm.
• Please note: The Barker Research Library, where the workshop takes place, is wheelchair accessible. However, the original chest is stored upstairs in a historic library. Unfortunately, this means that wheelchair users will be unable to view the chest in person.
Please use the Ticketsource link to book.

Image (c) – Durham University Library

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.
