North Pennines National Landscape

Saturday stroll - a guided walk
2025-07-26 10:30 - 14:30 (Europe/London) | Bollihope
CANCELLED.
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 Bollihope, near Stanhope, on Saturday 26 July 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 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 £3. Your donation enables the North Pennines National Landscape team to protect and restore this special place and help people connect with nature.
Please book using the Ticketsource link

Volunteer opportunity to remove invasive garden Lady’s-mantle
2025-07-25 10:00 - 16:00 | 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.
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, it poses a risk of 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.
Exact location will be sent 48 hours prior to the event. Suitable for all ages; children must be supervised by an adult.
Please sign up using the Better Impact volunteer platform.

Felted geode workshop (Nenthead200)
2025-07-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Nenthead Village Hall, Nenthead, Alston, CA9 3PN
Learn how to felt with wool and create your own ‘crystal geode’ to take home in this workshop with Anna Osborne of Felt Curious.
This family friendly workshop on 21 July, 6pm to 8pm, at Nenthead Village Hall, Nenthead, Alston. We will be taking inspiration from the unique geology of the North Pennines to make hollow ‘rocks’ from layers of coloured wool. Once felted, they are then cut open to reveal the magic within and embellished with crystals. Perfect for beginners of all ages over seven years, but also those who have had a go at felting and want to learn a new technique.
This workshop is part of the Nenthead200 celebrations, marking 200 years since the London Lead Company designed the village of Nenthead. To find out more go to: https://northpennines.org.uk/what_we_do/historic-environment/land-of-lead-and-silver/nenthead200-celebration/
Suggested donation £3 per person. 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.

Learn to scythe workshop
2025-07-21 08:30 - 17:00 | Low Way Farm, Holwick, DL12 0NJ
Join us at Low way farm, Holwick on Monday 21 July 2025, for an enjoyable day learning the traditional skill of scything. This practical workshop is ideal for anyone interested in nature friendly land management, gardening or learning a new skill.
You will learn about the anatomy and setting up of a scythe, honing the blade with a whet stone and peening a blade with a jig, using scythes for the management of meadows, and different mowing techniques, as well as the essential maintenance of a scythe throughout the year.
By the end of the workshop, you will hopefully have gained confidence and skills in using a scythe to manage habitats. Whilst enjoying a day spent outdoors with likeminded people.
If you already own a scythe, please bring it along for the training day, otherwise a £20 fee is required for the days hire of a scythe.
A meadow picnic will be provided for lunch, but feel free to bring any drinks and refreshments that you wish to.
The scythe workshop will be delivered by horticulturalist and conservationist John Grundy, of Wildnerness Tamed.
Cost:
£65 Full day learn-to-scythe training
£20 Scythe hire (or you can bring your own scythe for free)
Scythe training is suitable for people over 18. Unfortunately due to the nature of the training it is not dog friendly.
For extra information please contact William at: william@northpennines.org.uk

Please book using the link to Ticketsource below

Nenthead200 volunteer committee meeting
2025-07-17 17:30 - 19:30, 2025-06-12 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.

Wildflower seed collecting
2025-07-16 10:00 - 13:00 | Teesdale
Volunteer with us for a session of collecting wildflower seeds from sites across Teesdale on 16 July, 30 July and 27 August, 10am to 1pm.
As part of the Tees-Swale: naturally connected programme wildflower seeds will be sown at workshops in the Autumn and the grown on into plants which can be used as part of the restoration and enhancement of meadows in Teesdale.
Please wear sturdy footwear and clothing suitable for the weather. The session going ahead on this date is dependent upon seasonal variations in the ripening of seeds. If the session has to be re-scheduled this will be communicated to people signed up no later than 24 hours prior to the session.
Sign up using the Better Impact volunteer system.

Adder survey opportunities
2025-07-16 09:00 - 12:00 | Frosterley
Would you like to contribute to the conservation of adders in the North Pennines National Landscape?
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to complete surveys of this iconic reptile, which is now vulnerable to extinction in England, as part of our ‘Adders Up’ project.
Three opportunities to volunteer at a location near Frosterley, 16 July, 20 August and 16 September, 9am to 12 noon.
The surveys are ideally suited for adults, under 16’s must be supervised by an adult. Walking distances are short, but potentially over un-even terrain and on slopes. Please wear sturdy boots, outdoor clothing appropriate for the weather, bring snacks and drinks and a fully charged mobile phone. No toilets / amenities are present on the sites. Nearest options will be made known at the start of the session during the H&S briefing.
Please contact Henry Barrett for more information.
Please sign up using the volunteer system Better Impact.

Nenthead200 historical research group
2025-07-13 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-06-08 13:00 - 16:00 | Alston Town Hall, Front Street, Alston, CA9 3RF
2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the London Lead Company planning the village of Nenthead. To celebrate this, a timeline is being developed, to chronicle key events in the village’s development, as well as a series of plaques to commemorate the special places and people who lived here.
A research group of people living locally to Nenthead, or with a specific interest in the mining heritage of the area, is being formed to consult archival and secondary material. Over four sessions the research group will piece together Nenthead Village’s fascinating history.
No prior research experience is needed and volunteers will be fully supported.
Locations:
Sundays 13 April and 11 May 2025 at Nenthead Mines, Nenthead House Old Smelting Mill, Nenthead CA9 3NR
https://maps.app.goo.gl/YLC8JLnLd8fcZr2PA
Sundays 8 June and 13 July 2025 at Alston Moor Historical Society, Town Hall, Front St, Alston CA9 3RF
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZkSNvNxqWWx9v3wA9
There is no designated parking at either venue but drop-off is available near to both.
Please book using the Better Impact volunteer system

Holwick landscape walk
2025-07-12 13:00 - 16:00 | Bowlees Visitor Centre, Newbiggin, DL12 0XF
Join the North Pennines National Landscape team on a leisurely guided walk from Bowlees Visitor Centre to Holwick. This circular route includes farmed land, wild flower meadows and Holwick Scar. Learn about the local geology and have a closer look at some of the special flowers along the way. The walk will be at a relaxed pace and will take around two hours, with stops at points of interest.
The walk starts at Bowlees Visitor Centre, Teesdale, on Saturday 12 July, 1pm and finishing at approximately 4pm.
As the event will be taking place outdoors, please dress for the weather. We recommend walking boots or even wellies as it can be muddy in places. Bowlees Visitor Centre will be open for toilets and refreshments at the start and end of the walk.
All ages are welcome (children must be accompanied by an adult and must be able to walk or be carried as the paths are not be suitable for pushchairs). Well behaved dogs on a short lead are welcome. The walk will be approximately 4 km in length on mostly flat ground and with rest breaks along the way.
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.

Adder survey opportunities
2025-07-08 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-06-02 17:27 | Rookhope
Would you like to contribute to the conservation of adders in the North Pennines National Landscape?
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to complete surveys of this iconic reptile, which is now vulnerable to extinction in England, as part of our ‘Adders Up’ project.
There are three opportunities to volunteer at a location near Rookhope, 8 July, 6 August, 3 September, 9am to 12 noon.
The surveys are ideally suited for adults, under 16’s must be supervised by an adult. Walking distances are short, but potentially over un-even terrain and on slopes. Please wear sturdy boots, outdoor clothing appropriate for the weather, bring snacks and drinks and a fully charged mobile phone. No toilets / amenities are present on the sites. Nearest options will be made known at the start of the session during the H&S briefing.
Please contact Henry Barrett for more information.
Please sign up using the volunteer system Better Impact.

National Meadows Day - family friendly
2025-07-05 10:30 - 15:30 | Low Way Farm, Holwick, DL12 0NJ
Celebrate National Meadows Day at this family friendly event on Saturday 5 July 10.30am to 15.30pm, at Low Way Farm, Holwick. Experience Teesdale’s magnificent meadows at their midsummer best, exploring these special habitats, their farming history and the wildlife they support.
Join in the fun and creative activities for families and adults interested in nature, farming and cultural heritage. There will be live music, farmhouse food and drinks including tea and scones on sale, or you are welcome to bring your own picnic. Workshops and activities are included.
£5 per person, including a free scone and hot drink. Children under 13 are free of charge (including a free scone and soft drink). If you don’t want refreshments then there is a suggested donation of £3 per ticket. Your donation enables the North Pennines National Landscape team to protect and restore this special place and help people connect with nature.
Activities during the day:

Guided wildflower & bumblebee walks through the meadows: Join the North Pennines farming and nature team for a guided walk around an upland hay meadow, identifying the wildflowers and insects commonly found there
Botanical ink monoprint workshop with local artists: Create ink prints inspired by the wildflowers and grasses of a meadow with local artist, Abi Baker
Traditional scything & meadow restoration demos: Demonstrations of traditional hay cutting using a scythe, along with demonstrations of current restoration techniques of hay meadows
Microscope activity station: Using microscopes, explore the details and features of wildflower seeds with artist, Matt Denham
Live acoustic folk music from Will Finn and Rosie Calvert
Knitting circle: Join artist, Laura Harrington for a social knitting session
Arts and photography exhibition: Displays of art produced by local schools, and an exhibition of meadow plant photography
Upland hay meadow film: Throughout the day will be regular screenings of the North Pennines National Landscape’s film showcasing our upland hay meadows
Citizen science pollinator monitoring: Observing plants in the meadows to record what insects are visiting the meadow
Farm machinery displays, old and new: from scythes and horse drawn machinery, to modern day tractors and trailers. See the machinery used to manage meadows across the years
Walks with farm animals: Perfect for younger visitors, walk with lambs and goats
Stalls and displays from local history archivists the Fitzhugh Library, exploring the cultural history of Hay meadows in Teesdale

All children must be supervised by an adult. Dogs on leads are allowed. Free parking and toilets available on site. The site is not wheelchair accessible.
Please book using the Ticketsource link.

A Trail of Inspiration: The Pennine Way at 60
2025-07-03 10:00 - 2025-08-31 17:00, 2025-07-03 08:00 - 17:00 | Bowlees Visitor Centre, Newbiggin, DL12 0XF
A travelling exhibition celebrating 60 years of the Pennine Way is making another stop on its journey along the iconic National Trail, arriving in the North Pennines National Landscape for a two-month residency.
‘A Trail of Inspiration: the Pennine Way at 60’ features work from artists, musicians, videographers, writers and poets, all inspired by journeys and experiences along this beloved 268-mile walking route.
The exhibition will be on show at the North Pennines National Landscape’s Bowlees Visitor Centre, in Upper Teesdale from 3 July to 31 August.
Each of the artists has created their own response to their experiences of walking and enjoying the trail. From talking backpacks and music, to paintings and weavings, the exhibition is as rich and varied as a day spent walking along the Pennine Way. As well as the creative work, there is a canvas which gathers 300 images sent in by members of the public to share and celebrate the Pennine Way.
Please note that the exhibition space at Bowlees is accessed via stairs.

Sally Zaranko with her artwork: Walking Weaving and Lines and Lino: tracing the trail

Saturday stroll - a guided walk
2025-06-28 10:30 - 14:30 | Garrigill, CA9 3DS
Join us for a guided walk through a historic landscape at a relaxed pace on the last Saturday of each month, from 10.30am to approximately 1pm. You are welcome to join us after the walk for free refreshments finishing by 2.30pm.
This walk, on 28 June, will start in Garrigill, Cumbria. The route takes us to Ashgill Force and along the way we’ll look at some fascinating geology and mining heritage which have helped to shape this beautiful area.
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. 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 book using the Ticketsource link

Annual Conference 2025
2025-06-25 09:30 - 16:30 | UTASS, 9-11 Chapel Row, Barnard Castle, DL12 0SN, United Kingdom
The Annual Conference is intended to provide people with an opportunity to find out about some of the recent and upcoming work of the National Landscape staff team and to discuss matters relating to the future well-being of our natural and cultural heritage.
This year’s conference, in Middleton-in-Teesdale is being held on Wednesday 25 June, 9.30am to 4.30pm.
The theme this year is nature friendly farming. You’ll hear from people who are doing this vital work, including Paddy Deady, from the Duddon Valley who is involved in a Landscape Recovery scheme alongside his running of a farm, and seasoned nature-friendly dairy farmer James Robinson, from near Kendal. You’ll also hear about our Farming in Protected Landscapes programme (which is open for grant submissions again) and about the National Landscape team’s Landscape Connections programme, that would enable us to provide better and more streamlined support to the farming community.
In the afternoon, we’ll be looking at some examples of nature friendly farming in the field, on one of five short tours; you can select your field trip when you book your place at the event.
Back at the venue, and after a panel discussion (and an opportunity for questions from the floor), we’ll round-off the event by announcing this year’s winner of the ‘Pendlebury Award’ (in memory of our first chairman, Bob Pendlebury), marking an outstanding achievement in conserving the National Landscape or helping others to explore, enjoy and understand this special place.
Booking is essential – if you would like to attend, please book online using the booking form below (including field trip preference and dietary requirements).
Please note that each person will need to book one place as well as one choice of field trip.
Both conference and field trip capacity are limited. If a field trip is full please choose another option.
Annual Conference 2025 booking link

Image © – Martin Rogers

Botanical training opportunities - wildflower, grasses and surveying
2025-06-24 09:45 - 16:00, 2025-06-17 09:45 - 16:30, 2025-06-10 09:45 - 16:30 | Bowlees Visitor Centre, Newbiggin, DL12 0XF
We are looking for volunteers to help with botanical surveys on a selection of upland hay meadows that have been restored through seed addition between the third week of June until late July. Groups of 2/3 volunteers will undertake 15 quadrats (1m x 1m square) per meadow. One meadow with 15 quadrats may take between 1-2 days.
There are 3 days of free training for beginner’s, and also botanists wishing to refresh their skills. We require a minimum involvement of 1 full day of helping to survey a meadow following the training.
Beginners should attend all three days, if possible. More experienced botanists can choose which days to attend based on their previous experience. Volunteers need to sign-up to each of these 3 training days separately:
Day 1: Wildflower Identification training, Tuesday 10 June.
Day 2: Grasses and sedges Identification training, Tuesday 17 June.
Day 3: Botanical surveys using quadrats training, Tuesday 24 June.

The morning will be spent at Bowlees Visitor Centre. In the afternoon there will be a botany walk along The Pennine Way. The training will be undertaken by Ruth Starr-Keddle, if you have any queries, please email: ruth@northpennines.org.uk.
Please sign up using the Better Impact volunteer system

Explore textiles and heritage: A free four-week creative course
2025-06-22 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-06-08 10:00 - 13:00 | The Hive, Nenthead
Join artist-in-residence, Jenny Brook, for a series of four free textile workshops inspired by the mining heritage and dramatic landscapes of the North Pennines. The course at The Hive, Nenthead, starts Sunday 1 June, 10am to 1pm, and runs each Sunday for a further three weeks, (8, 15 and 22 June).
As well as being creative, the group will focus on women’s social isolation and loneliness. All women are welcome to join and share stories, skills, and inspiration with others.
Places are limited to 10 to ensure individual guidance and plenty of space to develop your ideas during the creative, hands-on journey through textile techniques including botanical printing, mono printing, cyanotype, mark-making, embroidery, and fabric manipulation.
This explorative course offers a chance to experiment, connect, and grow your creative practice in a relaxed and welcoming environment. All materials will be provided.
Book using the link to Ticketsource

Historic environment indoor working day
2025-06-13 10:00 - 16:00
These indoor working days follow each on-site working day, giving the opportunity to get involved with processing photogrammetry images into models, archiving condition assessment data, and undertaking historic research. You’ll have the chance to work with other volunteers and trained staff, while helping us to safeguard these important sites.
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 – all at Stanhope from 10am to 4pm:
Wednesday 30 April
Wednesday 16 May
Wednesday 13 June
Wednesday 1 August
Wednesday 12 September
Wednesday 3 October
Wednesday 24 October
Wednesday 28 November
Wednesday 12 December
Please book using the Better Impact volunteer system

Historic environment on-site working day
2025-06-10 10:00 - 16:00 | Augill, Augill pasture nature reserve, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4DX, United Kingdom
Come along and get involved in recording historic structures on working days at sites around the North Pennines. This is a chance to use your skills related to recording historic features, including photogrammetry and condition assessment. 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 weathers. You will also need a packed lunch, snacks and a drink. You are welcome to bring equipment with you, but we will also have some equipment available for you to use.
Dates:
Tuesday 10 June – Augill
Tuesday 29 July – location tbc
Thursday 11 September – location tbc
Tuesday 30 September – location tbc
Tuesday 21 October – location tbc
Tuesday 25 November – location tbc
Tuesday 9 December – location tbc
All other locations are to be confirmed.
Please book using the Better Impact volunteer system

Responsible wildlife photography workshop - NatureFest
2025-06-08 14:00 - 16:00 | Harehope Quarry, DL13 2SG
As part of this year’s Naturefest we are running a workshop promoting responsible wildlife photography on Sunday 8 June, 2pm to 4pm, at Harehope Quarry, Frosterley.
Wildlife photographer and ecologist Craig Strawbridge will be leading the session. Join us for the afternoon, starting with an indoor discussion of approach and ethics, equipment and techniques, and then a walk around the site to explore the topics covered.
Due to the nature of the workshop it isn’t suitable for dogs. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Please book using the link to Ticketsource

This event is part of North Pennines NatureFest running from Saturday 24 May to Sunday 8 June 2025. See the full programme at www.NorthPenninesNatureFest.org.uk #NorthPenninesNatureFest25

Teesdale flora - a guided walk
2025-06-07 10:30 - 13:30 | Cow Green Reservoir
Local botanist Lizzie Maddison will lead a walk on Widdybank Fell in Upper Teesdale on 7 June, 10.30am to 1.30pm. See the rare arctic-alpine flowers and plants unique to the area.
This free event is being organised by the Weardale Wildlife Group. Lizzie will share her knowledge about the unique combination of arctic-alpine species with others from southern Europe which make Teesdale special.
The walk is suitable for adults and older children. Please wear footwear and clothing suitable for the weather. No dogs allowed.
Please book using the Ticketsource link

This event is part of North Pennines NatureFest running from Saturday 24 May to Sunday 8 June 2025. See the full programme at www.NorthPenninesNatureFest.org.uk #NorthPenninesNatureFest25
Image: Martin Rogers

Nature walk: High Helbeck
2025-06-04 10:30 - 15:00 | High Helbeck, CA17 4DZ
Join us for a family friendly 5km circular guided nature walk, Wednesday 4 June, 10.30am to 3pm, around the High Helbeck estate that has recently undergone extensive nature recovery work.
The walk will take in waterfalls, wading birds and black grouse in an ever-changing mosaic of habitats being managed sustainably. Please wear suitable footwear and clothing suitable for the weather. Bring a packed lunch and drinks. The walk is not suitable for dogs.
Suggested donation £3 for adults, £2 for children. Your donation enables the North Pennines National Landscape team to protect and restore this special place and help people connect with nature.
Please book using the Ticketsource link

This event is part of North Pennines NatureFest running from Saturday 24 May to Sunday 8 June 2025. See the full programme at www.NorthPenninesNatureFest.org.uk #NorthPenninesNatureFest25

Adder survey opportunities
2025-06-04 09:00 - 12:00 | Mickleton
Would you like to contribute to the conservation of adders in the North Pennines National Landscape?
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to complete surveys of this iconic reptile, which is now vulnerable to extinction in England, as part of our ‘Adders Up’ project.
There are three opportunities to volunteer at a location near Mickleton, 26 March, 13 May and 4 June, 9am to 12 noon.
The surveys are ideally suited for adults, under 16’s must be supervised by an adult. Walking distances are short, but potentially over un-even terrain and on slopes. Please wear sturdy boots, outdoor clothing appropriate for the weather, bring snacks and drinks and a fully charged mobile phone. No toilets / amenities are present on the sites. Nearest options will be made known at the start of the session during the H&S briefing.
Please contact Henry Barrett for more information.
Please sign up using the volunteer system Better Impact.

Lino printing workshop (Nentheadhead200)
2025-06-03 18:00 - 20:00 | The Hive, Nenthead
Come along a laid-back evening of lino printing with local artist, Christie Love, at The Hive in Nenthead, 3 June, 6pm to 8pm.
In this free workshop you will be learning how to cut lino into a design inspired by the unique history of Nenthead and print your own art from your designs. Everyone is welcome, even if you’re a complete beginner. You don’t need to bring anything, as all the supplies will be provided.
Suitable for adults and children over the age of seven. Children must be supervised by an adult.
Please book using the Ticketsource link

This workshop is part of the Nenthead200 celebrations, marking 200 years since the London Lead Company designed the village of Nenthead. To find out more go to: https://northpennines.org.uk/what_we_do/historic-environment/land-of-lead-and-silver/nenthead200-celebration/
