North Pennines National Landscape

Hedge and tree planting
2025-03-04 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-03-20 10:00 - 15:30 (Europe/London) | 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

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

Nenthead200 volunteer committee meeting
2025-03-13 17:30 - 19:30, 2025-04-17 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.

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

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.

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
2025-03-26 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.

Volunteer day at Bowlees tree nursery
2025-03-26 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-30 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.

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

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.

Adder survey opportunities
2025-04-02 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-04-22 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.

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
2025-04-08 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-04-23 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.

North Pennines Young Archaeologists' Club
2025-04-12 10:00 - 13:00 | 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.

Nenthead200 historical research group
2025-04-13 13:00 - 16:00 | Nenthead Mine
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

Wild Wednesday: Fun with fossils
2025-04-16 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.
Discover the fossils on a walk near Bowlees, 16 April, 10.30am to 12.30pm. Try some hands-on themed activities including making a “fossil” of your own to take home.
Please wear sturdy footwear, and clothing suitable for the weather and potentially messy activities.
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.
The event is not suitable for dogs and is not wheelchair accessible.
Please use the Ticketsource to book

Wild Wednesday: Nest quest egg hunt
2025-04-23 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.
Come along to Bowlees Visitor Centre, 23 April, 10.30am to 12.30pm, for some fun spring-themed activities including nest building, hunting for eggs and playing games to discover fascinating facts about birds and their eggs.
Please wear sturdy footwear, and clothing suitable for the weather and potentially messy activities.
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 book using the Ticketsource link

Saturday stroll - a guided walk
2025-04-26 10:30 - 12:30 | South Tynedale Railway, Alston, Cumbria, CA9 3JB, United Kingdom
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 Alston, on 26 April 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.
Meet at South Tynedale Railway car park for 10.30am start.
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

Charcoal sketching workshop (Nenthead200)
2025-04-28 18:00 - 20:00 | The Hive, Nenthead, Cumbria, CA9 3PF
Come along to a laid-back evening of charcoal sketching with local artist, Sheila Mitton, at The Hive in Nenthead on Monday 28 April, from 6pm to 8pm.
Everyone is welcome, even if you’re a complete beginner. You don’t need to bring anything, as all the supplies will be provided.
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 visit the Nenthead200 web page.
The Hive, Nenthead, CA9 3PF
https://maps.app.goo.gl/TXBQnigRE4cNT1Rg9
No designated parking, but drop-off near door. The venue is wheelchair accessible with an accessible toilet.
Tickets are free with a suggested donation of £3. Please book using the Ticketsource link below.

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

Adder survey opportunities
2025-04-29 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 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.

Historic environment on-site working day
2025-04-29 10:00 - 16:00 | Blanchland Village Hall, Clap Shaw, Consett, DH8 9UA
Come along and get involved in recording historic structures on working days at sites around the North Pennines. This is a chance to develop and/or practice 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 weather. You will also need a packed lunch, snacks and a drink. If you want to bring equipment with you, you are welcome to, but we will also have some equipment available for you to use.
Dates:
Tuesday 29 April – Blanchland village hall
Tuesday 13 May – location tbc
Tuesday 10 June – location tbc
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
Each day is from 10am to 4pm. The first day is at Blanchland Village Hall, Clap Shaw, Consett, DH8 9UA https://maps.app.goo.gl/8ELRdY9w3xgM96ib9
There is no designated parking, but drop-off is available near the door. The venue is wheelchair accessible and has an accessible toilet.
All other locations are to be confirmed.
Please book using the Better Impact volunteer system

Historic environment indoor working day
2025-04-30 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

Pottery open day
2025-05-03 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. 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/

Documentary research group
2025-05-07 12:30 - 16:30 | Alston Town Hall, Front Street, Alston, CA9 3RF
The documentary research project will be exploring the often overlooked social history of the men and women who shaped the North Pennines.
This first session will focus on the cultural history of Nenthead Village as it celebrates its 200th anniversary since it was planned by the London Lead Company in 1825. We will have access to the Alston Moor Historical Society Archive as well as online resources such as census reports and historical newspaper reports.
This session follows on from the ‘Introduction to archives workshops’ held in 2024, but anyone interested in historical research skills and social history is welcome. No prior experience is necessary as full support will be offered in finding and navigating historical resources.
Please sign up using the volunteer platform Better Impact

Talk - What does it mean to live in a Geopark?
2025-05-08 19:00 - 20:30 | Hallbankgate Hub
What does it mean to live in a Geopark? Come along to a free talk on Thursday 8 May, at Halbankgate Hub, 7pm to 8.30pm to find out more. This is a chance for residents and visitors to understand more about what this landscape status means and to consider the opportunities it presents.
The talk will also look at the Access to Eden project which helps people to connect with nature, identifying any barriers and looking at ways to work around them. We hope to be able to share ideas and opportunities put forward by residents and look at potential partnerships between rural and urban groups.
Disabled parking available and wheelchair accessible. Refreshments will be available.
Please book using the link to Ticketsource
