North Pennines National Landscape

Home educators' session - Harehope Quarry
2025-08-26 10:00 - 12:00 (Europe/London) | Harehope Quarry, DL13 2SG
This is a family workshop for home educators at Harehope Quarry, 26 August, 10am to 12 noon. The theme is exploring. We will be using maps to explore the site and investigating the things we find along the way.
Please wear sturdy footwear, and clothing suitable for the weather.
After the workshop and a break for lunch, stay on for an optional walk of 2km in the surrounding area.
Suitable for children aged five to twelve years. £2 per child. All children need to be accompanied by an adult. (Younger siblings are welcome – they do not need a ticket but please let us know they are coming by emailing naomi@northpennines.org.uk).
Please book using the Ticketsource link

Volunteer event steward opportunities (Nenthead200)
2025-08-24 13:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-24 09:30 - 13:00, 2025-08-23 13:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-23 08:30 - 13:00 | Nenthead
2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the London Lead Company planning the village of Nenthead. To mark this occasion, we are holding a celebration event in the form of a traditional village fair over two days 23 and 24 August.
Come along and help us celebrate the unique mining heritage of Nenthead by stewarding at this event. There are various volunteer roles available including stewarding for the games, events, mines and carparking areas. All training will be provided.
By signing up to this event you will need to attend an online 2-hour stewarding training session on Thursday 21 August. Once you’ve booked onto your chosen stewarding shift(s), you will be contacted to book you onto the training. If you have any questions please email Rebecca Cadbury-Simmons.
The shifts available for the celebration event are:
Saturday 23 August, 8.30am-1pm
Saturday 23 August, 1pm-5pm
Sunday 24 August, 9.30am-1pm
Sunday 24 August, 1pm-5pm
Please sign up using the Better Impact volunteer link

Nenthead200 animation drop-in
2025-08-24 11:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-23 10:00 - 17:00 | Nenthead Mines
Local animation artist, Robin Webb, will be running animation drop-in sessions during the Nenthead200 weekend in the Barracks building a Nenthead Mines on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 August.
Have a go at producing your own stop-motion animations using plasticine or cut-outs to bring your Nenthead200 inspired creations to life. No prior knowledge of animation is needed as you’ll be given full instructions on how to create and make your productions.
Your animations could also form part of a Land of Lead & Silver animation tellIng the story of the North Pennines mining heritage which Robin is working on.
Robin is also looking for photos new and old, video footage of the landscape, places and the people, any drawings or paintings you have made (they must be your own and original works) for the animation. Contribute your photographs, videos, art, drawings, paintings, and even your words or sounds to both inspire and be part of this visual telling of the story of the North Pennines mining heritage.
Images can be accepted in any digital format, preferably at full resolution, videos ideally should be in landscape though not essential, .MP4 or .mov files are great, please don’t send in original artwork all you need to do is photograph it in a good light, try to avoid shadows and reflections from a strong or coloured light. Sounds can be sent in as well either in mp3 or .WAV formats. Any words or written work can be sent in using Microsoft Word or PDF formats. Email Robin here.
The event is part of the Land of Lead and Silver project, run by the North Pennines National Landscape team and funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players, and Historic England.

Nenthead supper - a feast of food, music and community
2025-08-23 18:00 - 23:00 | Nenthead Village Hall, Nenthead, Alston, CA9 3PN
Celebrate Nenthead’s village and history with a heart warming evening of food, music and dance as part of Nenthead200 celebrations. The Nenthead supper is a chance for people to get together, share a delicious meal, and enjoy live local entertainment at Nenthead Village Hall, Saturday 23 August, 6pm to 11pm.
Enjoy a warm buffet supper of traditional Cumbrian favourites by local caterer, Angela Drane. Tap your toes and dance the night away to the sounds of live folk music and dancing, performed by a specially formed band of local musicians.
Tickets cost £10 for adults over the age of 16. Under 16’s are free and must be accompanied by a paying adult, (maximum three under 16’s per adult). Tickets are available using the Ticketsource link below and are also available from Nenthead Village Shop. All proceeds from this event will go to Nenthead Village Hall.
We are offering 5 bursary places for this course which will reduce the cost to £0. There is no strict criteria for these places, they are available for anyone for whom the cost is prohibitive. To request a bursary place please email rebecca@northpennines.org.uk.
The details of the event have been altered from one that was previously listed as “Dinner and folk dance” on the website and in the celebration leaflet.
Please book using the Ticketsource link.

This event 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/
No designated parking, but drop-off near door, wheelchair accessible, wheelchair accessible toilet.

Nenthead200 puppet-making drop-in
2025-08-23 11:00 - 14:00 | Nenthead
Join artist, Jenny Brook, for Shadow and story – a magical drop-in puppet-making workshop on Saturday 23 August, as part of the Nenthead200 celebrations.
Make your own moving folk puppets inspired by the rich mining heritage, wildlife, and folklore of the North Pennines, from sturdy mine ponies and lead miners to winding adders, haunting curlews and mysterious moths.
This relaxed and creative session is a perfect hands-on way to explore the stories of Nenthead through art and play. Suitable for all ages and abilities. Drop-in to the craft marquee to join the sessions between 11am and 2pm.
The event is part of the Land of Lead and Silver project, run by the North Pennines National Landscape team and funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players, and Historic England.

Nenthead200 weekend
2025-08-23 - 2025-08-24 | Nenthead
2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the London Lead Company planning the village of Nenthead. A weekend-long event is being organised by the North Pennines National Landscape team and volunteers from the local community to celebrate this anniversary.
Everyone is welcome at the Nenthead 200 celebration on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 August which will be a traditional village fair with competitions, games, music, and activities alongside an evening of food and music and a quiz.
Saturday 23 August:
Mine tours at Nenthead Mines (book via their website)
Mining display at the Nenthead Mines barracks building
Community performance by Alston Drama Group in collaboration with the Knotted Project
Craft demonstrations
Local bands playing in the church
Nenthead supper and music evening, 6-11pm at Nenthead Village Hall. Tickets £10 for adults over 16 years, (Under 16’s are free but must be accompanied by an adult).
Sunday 24 August:
Mine tours at Nenthead Mines (book via their website)
Mining display at the Nenthead Mines barracks building
Competition judging and winner announcements
Stanhope Silver band
Quiz at The Hive – doors open 5pm for start at 5.30pm, entry is free
The competitions are open for all to enter and include:

Photo competition – recreating or reinterpreting a historical photo of Nenthead’s landscape or people. Entry forms will be available from St John’s Church, Nenthead and online, the deadline for entries is Saturday 2 August with drop-off in the box at the church. The entries will be displayed for voting by visitors and the winners and prizes will be announced on Sunday 24 August.
Under 16’s photo competition – take a snapshot relating to the theme of nature. Entry forms will be available from St John’s Church, Nenthead and online, the deadline for entries is Saturday 2 August with drop-off in the box at the church. Entries will be judged by local photographer Terry Stout. The winners and prizes will be announced on Sunday 24 August.
Nenthead200 Photo Competition Submission Form
Scarecrow competition – mining/ Nenthead history themed scarecrows to be displayed outside homes from Monday 4 August. Entries will be judged by the Leek Club and the winners announced on the afternoon of Sunday 24 August.
Costume competition – dress up in mining or Nenthead inspired garb and meet at Nenthead Mines car park on Saturday 23 August, 10.30am, to process to the playing field for judging. There will be prizes for under 11s, 11-18 year olds, adults, and the best mining costume.

A children’s treasure hunt will be run through the summer holidays with goody bags for those who successfully complete the trail.

The event is part of the Land of Lead and Silver project, run by the North Pennines National Landscape team and funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players, and Historic England.

Home educators' session - Blanchland
2025-08-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Blanchland Village Hall, Clap Shaw, Consett, DH8 9UA
This is a family workshop for home educators, 21 August, 10am to 12 noon in Blanchland Village Hall. The theme is rivers and landscapes, looking at how the local landscape is formed and shaped by water and either measuring how the River Derwent flows or seeing what lives in it.
Please wear sturdy footwear, and clothing suitable for the weather and potentially messy activities. Wellies recommended.
After the workshop and a break for lunch, stay on for an optional walk of 2.2km along the River Derwent.Suitable for children aged 5 to 12 years. £2 per child.
All children need to be accompanied by an adult. (Younger siblings are welcome – they do not need a ticket but please let us know they are coming by emailing naomi@northpennines.org.uk).
Please book using the Ticketsource link

Pennine Way maintenance volunteer opportunity
2025-08-20 10:00 - 15:00 | Langdon Beck
Volunteer opportunity to help keep the Pennine Way maintained. Help to repair of sections of boardwalk on 20 August, 10 am to 3pm, near Langdon Beck.
Due to the physical nature of the work, a reasonable level of fitness will be required and is suitable for 18+.
The session may take us past lunchtime, so please bring a packed lunch/drinks and bring warm waterproof clothing. All PPE (personal protective equipment) will be provided, including safety glasses, gloves and steel toe cap boots if you need to borrow some.
Please sign up using the volunteer site Better Impact

Adder survey opportunities
2025-08-20 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.

Adder survey opportunities
2025-08-19 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-07-30 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, 30 July and 19 August, 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 volunteer committee meeting
2025-08-14 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.

Wild Wednesday - den building
2025-08-13 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 13 August, 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

Two-day summer holiday animation workshop
2025-08-12 10:00 - 2025-08-13 16:00 | Nenthead Village Hall, Nenthead, Alston, CA9 3PN
Looking for something exciting to do in the summer holidays? Join north east animation artist, Robin Webb, for a fun, free two-day workshop for children on Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 August 2025.
You’ll explore real mining landscapes on a North Pennines site visit and turn it into your own animated film which will be featured in a special autumn exhibition. You can see an example of the kind of film you might make here.
You’ll learn how to make stop-motion animations using easy-to-use tech that you can continue to use at home, get creative with clay, cut-outs, paint, fabric and more, and bring stories of lead and silver mining to life through your own short film.
No experience needed – just bring your imagination. All materials are provided. You can use your own phone or tablet to collect images if you want to but it’s not required.
Please note, this is a two-day workshop so you need to be available to attend from 10am to 4pm on both days.
Free, but booking required as spaces limited. Please use the Ticketsource link below to book.

Guided walk - Pennine Way profile - the shape of a landscape
2025-08-07 09:30 - 15:00 | Bowlees Visitor Centre, Newbiggin, DL12 0XF
A guided walk from Bowlees Visitor Centre in celebration of the Pennine Way’s 60th anniversary, Thursday 7 August, 9.30am to 3pm. The route will take in some of the highlights of Upper Teesdale, including High Force and Low Force.
Along the 12 km (7 mile) route we will be explaining the environmental processes and human activities that have shaped the the North Pennines National Landscape and UNESCO Global Geopark and the attraction of people choosing to walk 268 miles along the Pennine Way.
As the event will be taking place outdoors, please dress for the weather. We recommend walking boots. Bowlees Visitor Centre will be open for toilets and refreshments at the start and end of the walk. Pease bring food and drink.
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.
Suggested donation only £3 per person, or £10 for family/group of four. 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 link to Ticketsource

Bowlees Quarry Bioblitz
2025-08-07 09:00 - 16:00 | Bowlees Quarry
Become a wildlife explorer and discover what’s living in and around Bowlees Quarry, Thursday 7 August, 9am to 4pm. With the help of wildlife experts and the team from North Pennines National Landscape, help to identify and record as many species of plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms as possible.
Get involved in the free family friendly event and learn together about moths, bees, birds, botany and river invertebrates. Drop in at anytime during the day. All ages are welcome.
We will be using the iNaturalist app that can be downloaded for free in the Google Play and App Store, it would be great if you could download it before you arrive.
As the event will be taking place outdoors, please dress for the weather. We recommend walking boots or even wellies. Bowlees Visitor Centre will be open for toilets and refreshments, or bring a picnic.

Wild Wednesday - pollinator picnic
2025-08-06 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.
Join us at Bowlees Visitor Centre on 6 August, 10.30am to 12.30pm, for a fun filled morning of activities getting to know the variety of pollinating insects we have around the site. Take part in citizen science PoMS Pollinator Scheme and help record and learn tips for how to invite more pollinators into your own garden and local wild places.
Suitable for children aged five to twelve years. Younger siblings also welcome but no need to book. All children must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult. £2 per child. Please wear sturdy footwear and clothing suitable for the weather and potentially messy activities. Bring your own picnic to enjoy after the event.
Please use the Ticketsource link to book.

Volunteer opportunity - calaminarian seed collecting
2025-08-06 10:00 - 13:00 | Teesdale
Join us for a session of collecting seeds from rare calaminarian plant species in Langdon Beck, Teesdale, on Wednesday 6 August, 10am to 1pm.
Seeds will be sown at workshops this autumn and grown on into plants that can be used as part of the Tees-Swale: naturally connected programmes habitat restoration works on diffuse metals sites.
This activity is suitable for all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult.
Outdoor clothing to be worn, bring waterproofs and wear sturdy shoes. 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
Please sign up using the volunteer platform Better Impact.

Adder survey opportunities
2025-08-06 09:00 - 12:00 | 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.

Two-day summer holiday animation workshop
2025-08-05 10:00 - 2025-08-06 16:00 | Allenheads
Looking for something exciting to do in the summer holidays? Join north east animation artist, Robin Webb, for a fun, free two-day workshop for children on Tuesday 5 and Wednesday 6 August 2025.
You’ll explore real mining landscapes on a North Pennines site visit and turn it into your own animated film which will be featured in a special autumn exhibition. You can see an example of the kind of film you might make here.
You’ll learn how to make stop-motion animations using easy-to-use tech that you can continue to use at home, get creative with clay, cut-outs, paint, fabric and more, and bring stories of lead and silver mining to life through your own short film.
No experience needed – just bring your imagination. All materials are provided. You can use your own phone or tablet to collect images if you want to but it’s not required.
Please note, this is a two-day workshop so you need to be available to attend from 10am to 4pm on both days.
Free, but booking required as spaces limited. Please use the Ticketsource link below to book.

Tea party on the trail - Nenthead200
2025-08-02 13:00 - 15:00 | Lovelady Shield Hotel, Alston, CA9 3LX
Join us at the historic Georgian country house, Lovelady Shield Hotel, on Saturday 2 August, 1pm to 3pm, for an outdoor afternoon tea party as part of the Nenthead200 celebrations taking place over the next few months.
Take your taste buds back in time with local classic tea party recipes from the Nenthead Women’s Institute cookery book.
Tickets £10 per person. All ages are welcome (children must be accompanied by an adult) and we can allow well-behaved dogs on short leads, but due to allergy reasons they can’t be in the restaurant if we are inside due to bad weather. This is a no alcohol event.
The final details of the event are subject to change, please check back closer to the event for final details.
We are offering 2 bursary places which will reduce the cost to £0. There is no strict criteria for these places, they are available for anyone for whom the cost is prohibitive. To request a bursary place please email rebecca@northpennines.org.uk
Please book using the Ticketsource link

Historic environment indoor working day
2025-08-01 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

Volunteer opportunity to remove invasive garden Lady’s-mantle
2025-07-31 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.

Volunteer day at Bowlees tree nursery
2025-07-30 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.
You can help with our nature recovery work by seed collecting and sowing, potting on, and watering plants. For more information email molly@northpennines.org.uk.
Sign up on the volunteer platform Better Impact
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.

Wild Wednesday - campfire cooking and foraging
2025-07-30 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.
Forage for food to cook on the campfire at Bowlees Visitor Centre, 30 July, 10am to 12.30pm. Enjoy a walk to forage for fruits of the season, identify plants that can be used in recipes and make dips and fillings for your bread on a stick around the campfire.
Suitable for children aged five to 12 years. All children need to be accompanied by an adult. (Younger siblings are welcome but do not need to book). £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 email kerryanne@northpennines.org.uk with any allergies/dietary requirements.
Please wear sturdy footwear, and clothing suitable for the weather and potentially messy activities. The event is not suitable for dogs and is not wheelchair accessible.
Please use the Ticketsource to book

Wildflower seed collecting
2025-07-30 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.
