North Pennines National Landscape

Family friendly volunteer opportunity - tree seed collecting
2024-08-28 13:00 - 16:00 (Europe/London) | Teesdale
Join us for a family friendly practical session collecting rowan tree seeds from a site in Teesdale on Wednesday 28 August, 1pm to 4pm.
The seeds collected will be used to grow local provenance trees at our tree and wildflower nursery at Bowlees Visitor Centre.
The volunteer activity is suitable for all ages, children must be supervised by an adult. The exact location will be sent 48 hours prior to the event.
Sign up using the volunteer platform Better Impact.

Outdoor Toddlers
2024-08-29 10:00 - 12:00 | Harehope Quarry, DL13 2SG
Outdoor Toddlers are morning events for children under the age of five along with their parents/carers.
Spend a relaxed morning outdoors, with creative activities available to do together, every Thursday in August, (1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Aug 2024) , 10am to 12 noon, at Harehope Quarry in Frosterley. Drop-in for as long or short a time as you like. Please note that not all parts of this site are wheelchair or pushchair friendly and the site is not suitable for dogs.
The cost is £2 per child (accompanying adults are free).
Please book using the Ticketsource link:

Woodland ground flora seed collecting
2024-08-30 10:00 - 13:00 | Teesdale
Join us for a day collecting the seeds of woodland ground flora plants such as bluebells, wild garlic, and wood anemone from woodland populations throughout Teesdale.
There are three opportunities to volunteer to help – Monday 1 July, Thursday 1 and Friday 30 August, 10am to 1pm, (the finish time may be earlier depending on the weather). Children must be supervised by an adult.
These woodland plants are very important element of woodland ecosystems, providing food sources and habitat for wildlife. As part of the Tees-Swale: naturally connected programme we are collecting seed from these plants to grow on and plant into recently created woodlands across Teesdale which currently lack a diverse assemblage of nectar rich plant species.
We aim to monitor and trial the success of introducing these plants into newly created woodlands, hopefully contributing to self-sustaining woodland ecosystems capable of supporting greater biodiversity.
Please use the Better Impact system to sign up.

Saturday stroll - a guided walk
2024-08-31 10:30 - 12:30 | Bowlees Visitor Centre
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 Bowlees Visitor Centre on 31 August 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 £2. 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

Adder survey opportunities
2024-09-04 09:00 - 12:00, 2024-09-17 09:00 - 12:00, 2024-09-28 09:00 - 12:00 | Cuthbert’s Moor, Middleton in Teesdale, DL12 0SA
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.
Volunteers must attend a training session before being assigned surveys. Link to online webinar – Upcoming Events –Adders, ecology and survey techniques
There are four opportunities to volunteer at Cuthbert’s Moor (Durham Wildlife Trust):
4 August, 4, 17 and 28 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.

Volunteer opportunity - tree seed collecting
2024-09-04 13:00 - 16:00 | Teesdale
Join us for a session of collecting birch tree seeds from a site in Teesdale, Wednesday 4 September, 1pm to 4pm.
The seeds collected will be used to grow local provenance trees at our tree and wildflower nursery at Bowlees Visitor Centre.
The volunteer activity is suitable for all ages, children must be supervised by an adult. The exact location will be sent 48 hours prior to the event.
Please sign up use the volunteer platform Better Impact.

Lead by fashion exhibition
2024-09-06 15:00 - 20:00 | Brampton Community Centre, Union Lane, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 1BX
A free exhibition and activities celebrating the clothing and textiles of the North Pennines mining communities brings artefacts and photos from The Weardale Museum and Nenthead Mines to venues in the area as part of the national Heritage Open Days festival which takes place in September each year.
Come along and learn about the clothing and textiles used by people in the past at this mini exhibition, featuring historic photos and items used by North Pennines mining communities. We will also have activities on offer including printing one of our designs onto a tote bag and making paper dolls.
The exhibition is suitable for people of all ages, and admission and the activities are all free. The exhibition is visiting four venues throughout Heritage Open Days:
Brampton Community Centre, Gelt Room – Friday 6 September, 3pm to 8pm
Allendale Village Hall – Saturday 7 September, 3pm to 8pm
Alston Town Hall – Monday 9 September, 3pm to 8pm
Stanhope, St Thomas Church Hall – Saturday 14 September, 3pm to 8pm
This exhibition is part of a larger programme of activities as part of the Land of Lead and Silver project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England. The exhibition is also funded by New Wave, part of Heritage Open Days.
Items in the exhibition have kindly been lent by The Weardale Museum and Nenthead Mines.

Lead by fashion exhibition
2024-09-07 15:00 - 20:00 | Allendale Village Hall, Leadgate, Allendale, NE47 9PR

Adder survey opportunities
2024-09-09 09:00 - 12:00, 2024-09-23 09:00 - 12:00 | Slaley Forest, NE47 0BY
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.
Volunteers must attend a training session before being assigned surveys. Link to online webinar – Upcoming Events –Adders, ecology and survey techiniques
There are three opportunities to volunteer at Slaley Forest (Forestry England): 6 August, 9 and 23 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.

Lead by fashion exhibition
2024-09-09 15:00 - 20:00 | Alston Town Hall, Front Street, Alston, CA9 3RF

Adder survey opportunities
2024-09-11 09:00 - 12:00 | Longburnford Quarry,DL13 4JJ
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.
Volunteers must attend a training session before being assigned surveys. Link to online webinar – Upcoming Events –Adders, ecology and survey techniques
There are three opportunities to volunteer at Longburnford Quarry, (Durham Wildlife Trust).
30 July, 3.30pm to 5.30pm.
5 August and 11 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.

Lead by fashion exhibition
2024-09-14 15:00 - 20:00 | St Thomas’ Church Hall, Stanhope

Guided walk for new parents/carers and children under 2 years old
2024-09-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Bowlees Visitor Centre
Join us for a relaxed guided walk for all new parents/carers and their babies from Bowlees Visitor Centre. The next walk will be on Monday 16 September from 10am to 12 noon.
The walks are aimed at parents/carers with children under the age of two years that can go in a carrier or sling. A small number of slings will be available to borrow (please indicate in your booking if you would need one of these).
The routes will be of a gentle nature. Refreshments will be available in the upstairs gallery at Bowlees after the walk with a chance to chat and meet other new parents and carers whilst taking the opportunity to be outside and active.
The guided walks are free but a donation is welcome. This will go towards continuing the community activities run by the North Pennines National Landscape team.
Please use the Ticketsource link to book.

Volunteer opportunities - plug planting
2024-09-24 10:00 - 15:30, 2024-10-10 10:00 - 15:30, 2024-10-23 10:00 - 15:30 | Teesdale
Plug plants are young plants, and with help from volunteers the plants have been looked after for at least 12 months and are grown in deep rooting pots. Plants are grown from local provenance seed hand collected from species rich meadows, banks and roadsides in Teesdale.
We have various opportunities throughout autumn to help plug planting wildflowers into upland hay meadows in Teesdale. All training will be provided.
A general level of fitness is required, please wear outdoor clothing and sturdy shoes. The exact locations will be given closer to the dates.
Volunteer dates are 24 September, 10 and 23 October, 7 and 21 November, 10am to 3.30pm. An extra date of 30 October 10am to 1pm is also available.
Please sign up using the volunteer platform Better Impact.

Volunteer opportunity - tree seed collecting
2024-09-25 10:00 - 12:30 | Teesdale
Join us for a session of collecting hazelnuts to be grown at the Bowlees tree & wildflower nursery, 25 September, 10am to 12.30pm. We will be sorting and sowing seeds in the afternoon as part of the regular nursery drop in session in the afternoon, 1pm to 4pm.
Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and sturdy shoes. The activity is suitable for all ages; children must be supervised by an adult. The exact location will be shared nearer to the date.
Please sign up using the volunteer platform Better Impact

Volunteer day at Bowlees tree nursery
2024-09-25 13:00 - 16:00 | Bowlees Visitor Centre
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.

Saturday stroll - a guided walk
2024-09-28 10:30 - 12:30 | Bollihope
Join us for a guided walk through a historic landscape at a relaxed pace on the last Saturday of each month.
This walk will be from Bollihope on 28 September, beginning at 10.30am and finishing 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 £2. 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

Wildflower seed sowing days
2024-10-02 10:00 - 15:30, 2024-10-15 10:00 - 15:30 | Mickleton Village Hall, DL12 0JY
Join us for a drop in session of sorting and sowing wildflower seeds at Mickleton Village Hall, on 2 and 15 October, 10am to 3.30pm. All training and equipment will be provided.
We will be sowing seeds from important species such as devil’s-bit scabious and wood crane’s-bill that have been collected from existing populations in Teesdale. Once grown these plants will be used to enhance upland hay meadows in Teesdale.
Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be provided. Please bring a packed lunch. All ages are welcome. Children must be supervised by an adult.
Please sign up using 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 in collaboration with the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Volunteer opportunities - tree guard removal and recycle
2024-10-04 10:00 - 14:00, 2024-10-09 10:00 - 14:00 | Selset Reservoir, DL12 0PR
Join us for a day of removing old tree guards and recycle on a site on the south of Selset reservoir. A lovely site over looking Selset reservoir in Lunedale.
There are two opportunities to volunteer – Friday 4 October and Wednesday 9 October, 10am to 2pm, (finish time may be earlier depending on weather).
The site is on uneven terrain, a good level of fitness is needed. All equipment and training will be given on the day. Lunch is included, but please bring any other refreshments and a drink. Please note there are no toilet facilities at this site. Suitable for 18+.
Outdoor clothing to be worn and bring waterproofs. Ideally wear long sleeved top and long trousers due to midges and other insects in the longer grass and rushes. Wear sturdy shoes, the site can be wetter in some places.
Please sign up using the Better Impact Volunteer system

Farming and nature talk: Can farming ever be truly nature-friendly?
2024-10-16 19:30 - 21:00 | Moorcock Inn, DL12 0AU
This winter we are holding a series of evening talks with the theme of examining the links between farming and nature. The talks, held at The Moorcock Inn in Eggleston, 7.30pm to 9pm, are open to farmers and landowners as well as members of the public. Each evening there will be an invited speaker with the opportunity of discussion afterwards.
“Can farming ever be truly nature-friendly”, Wednesday 16 October, with guest speaker Neil Heseltine will give us an overview of his experiences of nature-friendly farming. Neil is a farmer from Hill top farm near Malham and the previous Chair of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority. He works closely with The Pasture-Fed Livestock Association (PFLA) and The Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN).
The first talk of the season will be slightly shorter as we will be holding the High Nature Value (HNV) awards ceremony afterwards with Professor Sir John Lawton presenting the winners of the High Nature Value (HNV) farming awards.
Everyone welcome, booking required. If you are a Tees-Swale farmer you can come to this talk for free, please email Ruth Starr-Keddle or Patrick Oulton to get the code.

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.

Guided walk for new parents/carers and children under 2 years old
2024-10-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Bowlees Visitor Centre
Join us for a relaxed guided walk for all new parents/carers and their babies from Bowlees Visitor Centre. The next walk will be on Monday 21 October from 10am to 12 noon.
The walks are aimed at parents/carers with children under the age of two years that can go in a carrier or sling. A small number of slings will be available to borrow (please indicate in your booking if you would need one of these).
The routes will be of a gentle nature. Refreshments will be available in the upstairs gallery at Bowlees after the walk with a chance to chat and meet other new parents and carers whilst taking the opportunity to be outside and active.
The guided walks are free but a donation is welcome. This will go towards continuing the community activities run by the North Pennines National Landscape team.
Please use the Ticketsource link to book.

Stargazing suppers at High Force
2024-10-25 18:00 - 20:30 | High Force Hotel, The High Force Hotel, Alston Rd, Forest-in-Teesdale, DL12 0XH
A magical evening of stargazing and a three course meal. Discover the magnificence of the night sky with an exciting stargazing experience at the breath-taking High Force Waterfall in Upper Teesdale on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 October and Friday 1 and Saturday 2 November.

Booking times are either at 6pm to 8.30pm or 8pm to 11pm.

The evening begins with a delicious three course meal at the High Force Hotel. After that, we will walk down to the waterfall, where the beautiful scenery will be illuminated for you to take photographs with your phone.
This event will be run and presented by Graham Darke. Graham’s interest in the night sky was sparked as a child by his grandfather who was himself a self-taught amateur astronomer. Graham is a well-known figure in astronomical circles in the North East of England and has over 30 years of experience delivering outreach events to people of all ages. He is the honorary president of Sunderland Astronomical Society.
Gaze up at the stars using the astronomy binoculars provided, admire the web of constellations in the sky and develop a greater understanding of the sky at night.
Treat someone with a passion for the stars to an evening of discovery and learning, or enjoy it yourself with your partner, friends or family members.
Bring warm/waterproof clothes. No dogs please – they’re a trip hazard in the dark.
Pre-booking is essential via https://www.raby.co.uk/events/stargazing-supper/
This High Force Hotel & Waterfall (www.raby.co.uk/high-force/waterfall/) event is part of the North Pennines Stargazing Festival running from 25 October to 3 November 2024 – www.NorthPenninesStarFest.org
#NorthPennStarFest24 #NPennDarkSkies

© Gary Lintern Photography

Star Camp
2024-10-25 19:00 - 2024-10-27 10:00 | Doe Park Caravan Site, Cotherstone, Barnard Castle, DL12 9UQ, United Kingdom
Experience Star Camp for a weekend of all things astronomical and beyond, 25 to 27 October in Teesdale. The camp is perfect for novice astronomers and is great for adults and children (6+ years). Telescopes will be provided, along with expert guidance and you are welcome to bring your own equipment too, including cameras (with tripods) and binoculars.
There will also be astronomy themed talks, solar observing and a bottle rocket competition.
During the weekend Saturn will be looking amazing, along with a super bright Jupiter and a big moon. The views are sure to blow your socks off.
You will arrive on the Friday night to a mulled wine reception at 7pm – stargazing will be available (weather permitting) on the Friday and Saturday night with departure on Sunday.
Bring warm/waterproof clothing and a red light torch (if you have one).
Pitch fees – electric £28 per night; non-electric £23 per night – plus £10 per person per night ‘astronomy charge’ (£9 for under 16s).
Pre-booking essential – direct with Doe Park Caravan Site – www.doepark.co.uk / 01833 650302 / info@doepark.co.uk
Doe Park Caravan Site, Cotherstone, Barnard Castle, Teesdale, Co. Durham DL12 9UQ. See http://www.doepark.co.uk/location for directions.
This event is part of the North Pennines Stargazing Festival running from 25 October to 3 November 2024 – www.NorthPenninesStarFest.org #NorthPennStarFest24 #NPennDarkSkies
