North Pennines National Landscape

North Pennines Young Archaeologists' Club
2025-04-12 10:00 - 13:00 (Europe/London) | Alston Moor Recreation Ground and Pavilion, Alston, CA9 3HS
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. YAC is open to everyone aged 8–16 years interested in archaeology.
The club meet once a month on a Saturday at Alston Moor Recreation Ground and Pavilion, 10am to 1pm. The first session is 12 April.
Other dates for 2025 are: 10 May, 14 June, 12 July, 13 September, 11 October, 8 November and 13 December. 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 use the link to Ticketsource to book.

Adder survey opportunities
2025-04-08 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, 8 and 23 April, and 28 May, 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.

Pottery open day
2025-04-05 10:00 - 16:00 | Alston Pottery, The Old Brewery, Alston, Cumbria, CA9 3RP, United Kingdom
Drop in to Alston Pottery to learn about adders in the North Pennines and to try your hand at pottery by adding coils to a collaborative pot with Jessica Cooper ceramics.
Suitable for all ages. Children are welcome to make their own small clay pot.
Parking is available on site, please follow the signage.
This workshop is part of the 2024-25 Adders Up community arts programme. To find out more go to https://northpennines.org.uk/community-arts-2024/

Adder survey opportunities
2025-04-02 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, 2 and 22 April, and 27 May, 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.

Leaving it Better, film & launch event
2025-03-29 19:00 - 22:00 | Mickleton Village Hall, DL12 0JY
Join us at 7pm on Saturday 29 March, at Mickleton Village Hall for a film screening of Leaving It Better, followed by a discussion and question and answer session. The film is 45-60 minutes long, and the Q&A session after will last approximately one hour.
Leaving It Better, is a film produced alongside a project that brought together environmental campaigners from across the North East with a group of farmers from Upper Teesdale in the North Pennines National Landscape. Over the course of the project duration, the group met on farms in Teesdale to have conversations about the works and activities the campaigners were involved in, and the feelings of responsibility farmers feel, as custodians of the landscape, considering the impact of our actions in the landscapes and communities we live in.
Alongside the film screening, will be the launch of a podcast episode and zine, both of which have been created as part of this project. These offer further insights, personal reflections, and creative responses inspired by the conversations and connections formed during the project’s duration.
The aim of the project was to create spaces for dialogue between two groups of people who are not often in conversation with each other, and both of whom sometimes feel misrepresented in the media. It offered a place for farmers and campaigners to come together and explore each other’s areas of work and interest. ‘Leaving it Better’ reflects the common ground the group found through listening to each other and the positive actions taken to care for the world around us.
Everyone welcome, booking required. If you are a Tees-Swale farmer you can come to this launch event for free, please email William Bowman to get the code.
Please book using the Ticketsource link.

Saturday stroll - a guided walk
2025-03-29 10:30 - 12:30 | St John’s Chapel
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 St John’s Chapel, on 29 March will begin at 10.30am and finish at approximately 12.30pm. You are welcome to join us after the walk for free refreshments finishing by 2pm.
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. We will use donations to continue the work of the Land of Lead and Silver project supporting volunteers and community activities after the project ends.
To book please use the Ticketsource link

Volunteer day at Bowlees tree nursery
2025-03-26 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-02-26 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-01-29 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.

Adder survey opportunities
2025-03-26 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.

Tree planting and maintenance
2025-03-25 09:30 - 16:30 | Dufton
A day on the fellside helping to manage young native woodland along Great Rundale Beck in Cumbria. This will involve planting new trees, removing plastic guards from trees that no longer need them, tidying and stacking tubes and stakes. The event will be run in partnership with the Woodland Trust.
This is a quiet, peaceful and fairly remote location – the site is difficult to access and therefore requires a medium degree of fitness. It involves a 2.5km walk along a public track with some gradual up-hills to reach the edge of the site, estimated 45 mins at a slow pace. There are no toilet facilities.
Volunteers will need to be prepared for a day in the fells – ie full waterproofs, good boots, plenty of water and food, a sun hat, warm clothes. All training and equipment will be provided.
Meet at Dufton village main car park before walking up to the site.
Please email Simon O’Hare for more information or if you have a query.
Sign up using the Better Impact volunteer system

Adder survey opportunities
2025-03-25 09:00 - 12:00 | Acton Fell, Northumberland
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 Acton Fell, 25 March, 29 April and and 14 May, 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.

Volunteer surveyor training - Adders Up
2025-03-22 09:00 - 12:00 | West Moor plantation
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.
The free surveyor training at West Moor Plantation, South Bedburn, 22 March, is from 9am to 12 noon.
Learn how to find, identify, sex and age adders as well other reptile and amphibian species that we encounter. Detailed training on best survey techniques will enable volunteers to carry out independent surveys in the future.
The training session is suitable for adults and children over the age of 12. Unsuitable for wheelchairs, dogs and young children.
Please use the Better Impact volunteer system to sign up.

© Image credit Martin Rogers

Hedge and tree planting
2025-03-20 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-03-04 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-02-06 10:15 | Teesdale
Volunteer to help nature and improve habitat connectivity by planting hedgerows trees and on farms across Teesdale in March.
There are various dates available to volunteer.
Tuesday 4, Saturday 15 and Tuesday 20 March, 10am to 3.30pm. Also Wednesday 26 March, 10am to 1pm.
A light lunch will be provided but please bring any drinks and snacks. Volunteer opportunities may be postponed due to weather conditions, any changes will be communicated at least 24 hours before the event where possible.
Please contact William: william@northpennines.org.uk for more information or if you have a query.
Sign up using the Better Impact volunteer system

Nenthead200 volunteer committee meeting
2025-03-13 17:30 - 19:30, 2025-02-13 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.

Photogrammetry practice session
2025-03-06 13:00 - 17:00 | Westgate Village Hall, Front Street, Westgate, DL13 1RX
Join us for a photogrammetry skills practice afternoon at Westgate Village Hall.
The session is open to volunteers who have attended photogrammetry training. This will be a chance to practice taking photographs around the village, and run the photos through photogrammetric software.
You do not need to be available for the whole afternoon, this will run as a drop-in session and you are welcome to spend as long as you need with us within the hours available, 1pm- 5pm.
Location: Westgate Village Hall, Front Street, Westgate, Bishop Auckland DL13 1RX
https://maps.app.goo.gl/GZt4sK1PPLnFob3A7
Please book using the Better Impact volunteer system

Spring Celebration
2025-03-01 10:00 | Low Birk Hatt Farm
Celebrate with us at our family friendly Spring Celebration event at Low Birk Hatt Farm, Baldersdale, Saturday 1 March, 10am to 4pm. The theme this year is all about sheep and lambs.
We have plenty of fun activities on offer from woodwork and whittling to craft your own sheep, Lucinda from Benbridge Woolworks, will share how fantastic and sustainable wool is, and join local artist Abi Baker to make lino prints.
Enjoy toasting marshmallows and sipping hot chocolate in the comfort of fire-lit yurts and the chance to join in with singing campfire songs with Tabby Michelin from HeartSongs. There will be visits from our local sheep and get to meet the farmers too.
£12 for a single adult ticket (over 16)
£5 for a single child ticket (16 and under)
£25 for a family ticket which incudes 2 adults and 2 children – larger families can add on additional tickets to cover all members.
Children under 5 go free.
Time slot bookings for activity workshops (at no extra cost) for:
• Wood working and whittling sheep
• Lino printing
• Singing by the fire
All ages welcome, activities will have individual suitability. Please dress appropriately for the weather.
Hot beverages and food available via donation or you are welcome to bring your own. There are toilets and parking available on site. The event is not suitable for dogs.
We would like everyone to be able to attend our Spring Celebration, so we also have ten bursary tickets available. If you would like to apply for one of these discounted family tickets, then email kennedy@northpennines.org.uk for more details.
Please book using the Ticketsource link.

Family friendly - hedge and tree planting
2025-02-26 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-02-06 10:17 | Teesdale
Spend time with the family outdoors helping to plant trees and hedgerows on farms across Teesdale this winter.
There are various dates available to join us. Saturday 30 November, Saturday 14 December, Sunday 19 January and over the half term break Saturday 22, Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 February, 10am to 3.30pm.
All equipment and help will be provided. Please wear outdoor clothing, bring waterproofs and wear boots with a sturdy sole.
A light lunch will be provided but please bring any drinks and snacks. You are welcome to leave earlier if needed. Volunteer opportunities may be postponed due to weather conditions, any changes will be communicated at least 24 hours before the event where possible. All children must be supervised by an adult.
Please contact William: william@northpennines.org.uk for more information or if you have a query.
Please sign up using the Better Impact volunteer system

Saturday stroll - a guided walk
2025-02-22 10:30 - 14:30 | Allenheads
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 Allenheads, on 22 February will begin at 10.30am and finish at approximately 1pm. You are welcome to join us after the walk for free refreshments at The Hemmel café 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. There are likely to be a couple of stiles to climb over on this walk.
Optional donation – suggested amount £3. We use donations to continue the work of the Land of Lead and Silver project supporting volunteers and community activities after the project ends.
Please book using the Ticketsource link

Hedge and tree planting
2025-02-21 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-02-10 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-02-04 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-01-29 10:00 - 13:00 | Teesdale
Volunteer to help nature and improve habitat connectivity by planting hedgerows trees and on farms across Teesdale in January and February.
There are various dates available to volunteer.
January dates are: 29.
February dates are: 4, 10, 21, 22 and 26.
A light lunch will be provided but please bring any drinks and snacks. Volunteer opportunities may be postponed due to weather conditions, any changes will be communicated at least 24 hours before the event where possible.
Please contact William: william@northpennines.org.uk for more information or if you have a query.
Sign up using the Better Impact volunteer system

Introduction to photogrammetry workshop
2025-02-08 10:00 - 15:00 | Rookhope Village Hall, DL13 2 BP
Photogrammetry is the method of creating a virtual 3D model from a selection of overlapping photographs. The technique is increasingly used by conservators and archaeologists to record, investigate and promote heritage.
The workshop on Saturday 8 February, 10am to 3pm, at Rookhope Village Hall is aimed at complete beginners to the process, so no experience is necessary. You will learn the basic principles of photogrammetry and how to apply them to make your own digital 3D models using free software.
The workshop is interactive, and invites you to bring your own laptop with pre-installed software, (links will be sent to attendees before the workshop), and camera/phone, so that we can work through the process together. At the end of the session there will be an opportunity to put your new found skills to the test.
Examples of virtual 3D models: https://sketchfab.com/aki132
Please sign up using the volunteer system Better Impact

Middlehopeshield consultation
2025-01-29 18:00 - 19:30 | Westgate Village Hall, Front Street, Westgate, DL13 1RX
Join us at Westgate Village Hall on Wednesday 29 January, 6pm to 7.30pm, to discuss the planned interpretation at Middlehopeshield with heritage interpretation specialists, Maltings Studios, and the North Pennines National Landscape team.

Part of the Land of Lead and Silver project funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England, with subsequent funding from the Rural England Prosperity Fund and Defra’s Farming in Protected Landscapes scheme.

Volunteer opportunity - access work at Middlehopeshield
2025-01-28 10:00 - 14:00 | Westgate
Help us make access improvements to the path from Slitt Woods to Middlehopeshield.
The work will include creating a new line of path away from washing floor wall by cutting a terrace into slope, turfing over the existing line of the path, stabilising the slope with a drystone revetment wall, edging with a course of large stone covered with soil and turf, and surfacing with crushed aggregate.
Location:
What 3 words ///factoring.hounded.pedicure
Coordinates 54°44’54.1″N 2°08’25.4″W
Map link https://maps.app.goo.gl/5NDXPLm5mwZvSrBu6
Please sign up using the volunteer platform Better Impact
