North Pennines National Landscape

Metal point drawing workshop
2026-07-11 10:30 - 15:30 (Europe/London) | High Forest Community Centre, Sinderhope, NE47 9SJ
Explore the unique qualities of metal point drawing in this Rooted in Lead workshop, on Saturday 11th July, 10.30am to 3.30pm at High Forest Community Centre, Sinderhope.
The workshop is suitable for adults of all abilities. No previous drawing experience is needed and will be led by artist Carole McCourt. You will draw using metals that directly reference the mining history of the North Pennines and the materials once extracted from its hillsides such as lead, silver and copper.
The session begins with an introduction to historical metal point techniques, learn how metal point works, why artists have used it for centuries, and what makes it so distinctive.
You will then create your own detailed botanical drawings inspired by the rare metalliferous plants that grow on former lead mining sites and explore the fine lines, subtle tonal shifts and luminous qualities that metal point can produce.
All materials and refreshments provided.
Please book your place using the link to TicketSource

Westgate Village history evenings
2026-07-15 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-12-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Westgate Village Hall, Front Street, Westgate, DL13 1RX
As part of the village histories project, we’ll be exploring and recording the natural and cultural heritage of Westgate and its surrounding area. There are sessions every month on a Wednesday, 6pm to 8pm, starting 25 February in the village hall at Westgate.
This exciting project aims to bring together local knowledge, memories, and research to create a lasting record for future generations, and there will be plenty of opportunities to get involved.
The group is aimed at residents of Westgate, those who live nearby, or simply have an interest in the history of the village.
Free refreshments will be available throughout the session.
Please use the Ticketsource link to book.

Image (c) – Tom Baldwin

Part of the Land of Lead and Silver project led by the North Pennines National Landscape team and funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England.

Westgate Village histories archive visit
2026-07-17 12:00 - 17:00 | Westgate Village Hall, Front Street, Westgate, DL13 1RX
The Westgate Village Histories archive visit, on Friday 17 July, 1pm to 4pm, will explore the Weardale Chest Collection, held at Palace Green Library, Durham.
The manuscript material found in the chest dates from 1579 to 1660 and includes first hand witness testimonies from Westgate residents. It tells the fascinating story of a commonwealth era legal battle between Weardale tenants and their new Parliementarian landlord, Sir Arthur Hesilrige.
The workshop will include a palaeography training session using original documents, led by archivist Andrew Gray. As well as the rare opportunity to view the sixteenth century oak chest, situated in the historic Bamburgh Library.
Transport will be provided to and from Westgate Village. The minibus will leave Westgate Village Hall at 12 noon and return for around 5pm.
• Please note: The Barker Research Library, where the workshop takes place, is wheelchair accessible. However, the original chest is stored upstairs in a historic library. Unfortunately, this means that wheelchair users will be unable to view the chest in person.
Please use the Ticketsource link to book.

Image (c) – Durham University Library

Part of the Land of Lead and Silver project led by the North Pennines National Landscape team and funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England.

Historic environment on-site working day
2026-07-30 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-09-23 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-10-27 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-11-19 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-12-08 10:00 - 16:00
Come along and get involved in recording historic structures on working days at sites around the North Pennines. Held monthly apart from March and August, 10am to 4pm.
Help document key features through structured field recording and targeted photography, and contribute invaluable data for ongoing conservation work. The photographs taken will also support the creation of detailed 3D models through photogrammetry and feed into Historic England’s Missing Pieces project, helping to build a richer national record of heritage sites.
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 for 2026:
Future dates with locations:
• Thursday 26th February – Rookhope Arch
• Tuesday 28th April – Nenthead
• Wednesday 27th May – Beldon Lead Mine
• Tuesday 23rd June – Lady’s Rake Mine
• Thursday 30th July – Silverband Mine
• Wednesday 23rd September – Pike Law
• Tuesday 27th October – Middle Level Greenlaw
• Thursday 19th November – Stublick Colliery/ Langley Barony Mine
• Tuesday 8th December – Brandon Walls
Each day is from 10am to 4pm.
Please book using the Better Impact volunteer system

Westgate - village history evenings
2026-08-19 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-09-16 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-10-21 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-11-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Westgate Village Hall, Front Street, Westgate, DL13 1RX

Volunteer catch-up session: Land of Lead and Silver project
2026-09-22 11:30 - 15:30 | Eggleston Village Hall
We are holding a volunteer catch-up and feedback session highlighting the volunteer work on the North Pennines National Landscape Land of Lead and Silver project. Join us on Tuesday 22 September, 11.30am to 3.30pm at Eggleston Village Hall, Eggleston.
This event is also an opportunity to show our thanks for the commitment you have made being a volunteer. Share your experiences of volunteering with the Land of Lead and Silver project. We would like to be responsive to your feedback and ideas.
Suitable for all ages, children must be supervised by an adult. There is no need to book, free refreshments will be available.

Volunteer catch-up session: Land of Lead and Silver project
2026-12-10 11:30 - 15:30 | High Forest Community Centre, Sinderhope, NE47 9SJ
We are holding a volunteer catch-up and feedback session highlighting the volunteer work on the North Pennines National Landscape Land of Lead and Silver project. Join us for a Christmas catch-up on 10 December, 11.30am to 3.30pm at High Forest Community Centre, Sinderhope.
This event is also an opportunity to show our thanks for the commitment you have made being a volunteer. Share your experiences of volunteering with the Land of Lead and Silver project. We would like to be responsive to your feedback and ideas.
Suitable for all ages, children must be supervised by an adult. There is no need to book, free festive refreshments will be available.
