North Pennines National Landscape

Westgate - village history evenings
2026-05-20 18:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London) | 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.

Bird trail at Bowlees - family friendly
2026-05-23 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-24 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-25 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-26 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-27 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-28 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-29 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-30 10:00 - 16:00 and 4 more dates | Bowlees Visitor Centre, Newbiggin, DL12 0XF
Our self-guided trail during North Pennines NatureFest is a family-friendly bird-themed treasure trail.
Come along with your family and explore the woods around Bowlees Visitor Centre. Follow the trail around the site, taking you on an exciting journey discovering lots of birds along the way. As you follow the trail you will pick up clues – answer the questions, return to the Centre and claim your prize.
Pick up your instruction leaflet and answer sheet at the visitor centre – £1 per child.
Available 10am to 4pm from Saturday 23 May to Sunday 7 June inclusive. The Centre closes at 5pm.
This event is part of North Pennines NatureFest running from Saturday 23 May to Sunday 7 June 2026. See the full programme at www.NorthPenninesNatureFest.org.uk #NorthPenninesNatureFest26

Guided botany walk
2026-05-23 10:30 - 13:30 | Bowlees Visitor Centre car park
Join members of the Weardale Wildlife Group for this guided botany walk along the river in Upper Teesdale – from Low to High Force and back on Saturday 23 May, 10.30am to 1.30pm.
From Bowlees Visitor Centre the walk is two miles (3.2km) to High Force, via Low Force, so a four mile (6.4km) round trip. It can be shortened by 1.2 miles (2km) if returning from Holwick Head footbridge, which is part way along the route.
The verges, on the river and field side of the path, feature many examples of upland hay meadow flowers, as well as Teesdale specialties such as Shrubby cinquefoil and at this time of year the lovely Early purple orchid should be in bloom. Bare areas along the footpath also provide habitat for a variety of insects such as the ashy mining bee. Grey wagtails and common sandpiper may well be seen on the river.
Please wear strong footwear, bring suitable clothing and a packed lunch. The route does cross the Wynch Bridge (which is quite narrow) at Low Force waterfall and parts of the route are very rocky. No dogs please. Meet in the car park at Bowlees Visitor Centre.
Optional donation of £2 per person to the Weardale Wildlife Group would be appreciated (on the day).
Please book using the link to Ticketsource.

This event is part of North Pennines NatureFest running from Saturday 23 May to Sunday 7 June 2026. See the full programme at www.NorthPenninesNatureFest.org.uk #NorthPenninesNatureFest26

Adder exhibition at Bowlees: meet the artists event
2026-05-23 13:00 - 16:00 | Bowlees Visitor Centre, Newbiggin, DL12 0XF
Come and meet the artists at the family friendly opening of the Adder exhibition at Bowlees on 23 May from 1pm to 4pm.
Celebrate the creative work produced by the artists and explore adder themes. Meet the members of the North Pennines National Landscape team who are taking action for nature through the Adders Up project.
The exhibition will be available to view daily 10am to 5pm until 29 June. There will also be Adder related items on sale.
Please note that the exhibition is accessible via stairs at Bowlees Visitor Centre.

Adder survey training
2026-05-26 09:00 - 12:30 | Alston Moor
Would you like to contribute to the conservation of adders in the North Pennines National Landscape?
Learn how to survey for adders and other reptiles and amphibians in the North Pennines.
The training near Firestone Bridge, Overwater, Alston Moor, is on 26 May, 9am to 12.30pm. Full details of the meeting point will be given when signing up to volunteer.
The session is suitable for adults, and children over the age of 12 who are supervised. Unsuitable for wheelchairs, dogs and young children.
Please use the Better Impact volunteer system to sign up.
This event is part of North Pennines NatureFest running from Saturday 23 May to Sunday 7 June 2026. See the full programme at www.NorthPenninesNatureFest.org.uk #NorthPenninesNatureFest26

Garden club - volunteer opportunity
2026-05-26 10:00 - 12:30 | Bowlees Visitor Centre, Newbiggin, DL12 0XF
Volunteer to help look after ‘Helen’s Garden’ at Bowlees Visitor Centre, and the raised beds and planters alongside the Centre on the last Tuesday of each month, 10am to 12.30pm.
General maintenance including weeding, dead heading, cutting back and planting. Watering the gardens when required. Tidying, sweeping the surfaced area around the Centre and painting garden benches. Hedge trimming and maintaining the willow arch in the car park.
Usually work for two to two and a half hours and finish with refreshments which are provided.
Sign up on the volunteer platform Better Impact
This event is part of North Pennines NatureFest running from Saturday 23 May to Sunday 7 June 2026. See the full programme at www.NorthPenninesNatureFest.org.uk #NorthPenninesNatureFest26

BioBlitz in the Allen Valleys
2026-05-26 10:00 - 15:00 | Housty Farm, Allendale
Come and join us for a family friendly wildlife recording frenzy on Tuesday 26 May, 10am to 3pm at Housty Farm, Allendale. This event will discover the rich variety of life on an upland farm in the Allen Valleys – from plants and birds to the many insects that call this landscape home.
With friendly nature experts on hand, you will get up close with moths, bats, birds, bees, butterflies, and more – learning how to spot, identify, and record the incredible diversity of life thriving in this special landscape. Whether you are a complete beginner or a budding naturalist, all you need is curiosity and a sense of adventure.
Engage your senses as you explore and connect with the unique environment of the North Pennines National Landscape, listen for birdsong, search for pollinators, and experience the thrill of finding something new. Every discovery counts, and you will be contributing to real wildlife records while having fun outdoors.
Lunch will be provided. All children must be supervised by an adult. £2 per person.
Book using the link to Ticketsource.

This event is part of North Pennines NatureFest running from Saturday 23 May to Sunday 7 June 2026. See the full programme at www.NorthPenninesNatureFest.org.uk #NorthPenninesNatureFest26

Tree planting maintenance
2026-05-26 10:00 - 15:30 | Teesdale
Volunteer with us on farms across Teesdale on 20 and 26 May for a hands-on conservation day helping care for newly establishing trees and the landscapes they’ll shape for years to come.
You’ll be getting stuck into tasks such as removing old tree guards for recycling, restaking protective tubes, and helping monitor the sites.
Please bring packed lunch, and any other refreshments. 18+ welcome. All training and equipment will be provided. Please wear outdoor clothing and bring waterproofs, and wear boots with a sturdy sole. A general level of fitness needed.
Volunteer opportunities may be postponed due to weather conditions, any changes will be communicated at least 24 hours before the event where possible.
Sign up using the Better Impact volunteer system

This event is part of North Pennines NatureFest running from Saturday 23 May to Sunday 7 June 2026. See the full programme at www.NorthPenninesNatureFest.org.uk #NorthPenninesNatureFest26

Historic environment on-site working day
2026-05-27 10:00 - 16:00 | Lune Head Mine, Lunedale
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 – Lune Head 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

Wild Wednesday - on the rocks
2026-05-27 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.
To celebrate European Geoparks Week in the session on Wednesday 27 May, 10.30am to 12.30pm, we will be exploring the types of rocks around Bowlees. Take a walk back in time and make your own discoveries in this hands-on session.
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

This event is part of North Pennines NatureFest running from Saturday 23 May to Sunday 7 June 2026. See the full programme at www.NorthPenninesNatureFest.org.uk #NorthPenninesNatureFest26

Drop-in family activity - on the rocks
2026-05-27 13:00 - 16:00 | Bowlees Visitor Centre, Newbiggin, DL12 0XF
If you’re visiting Bowlees on a Wednesday in the school holidays but missed the Wild Wednesday session, take part in our free family friendly drop-in activity on 27 May, 1pm to 4pm.
Investigate the rocks around Bowlees to celebrate European Geoparks Week. Follow the trail to take a walk back in time and see what you can find along the way.
Please wear sturdy footwear, and clothing suitable for the weather and potentially messy activities.
This activity is self-led, but a member of staff will be around to help you out.
This event is part of North Pennines NatureFest running from Saturday 23 May to Sunday 7 June 2026. See the full programme at www.NorthPenninesNatureFest.org.uk #NorthPenninesNatureFest26

Volunteer day at Bowlees tree nursery
2026-05-27 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. There are also extra drop in sessions on 11 March, 15 April, 13 may and 10 June.
You can help with our nature recovery work by seed collecting and sowing, potting on, and watering plants. For more information email harry@northpennines.org.uk.
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.
Sign up on the volunteer platform Better Impact
This event is part of North Pennines NatureFest running from Saturday 23 May to Sunday 7 June 2026. See the full programme at www.NorthPenninesNatureFest.org.uk #NorthPenninesNatureFest26

Volunteer moth trapping opportunities
2026-05-28 09:00 - 11:30 | Allen Valleys
Moth trapping is a fantastic way to measure changes in biodiversity on farms. Volunteer with us for moth trapping sessions in the North Pennines.
We’ll be working with (and testing out) new technology developed by the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH). We’re looking for citizen scientists to help us.
There are four opportunities which will run from 9am to 11.30am. The first session is on Wednesday 6 May in Weardale. A short walk from the parking area to our moth traps will be required. Exact location details will be available nearer to the date of the session.
Other dates, 9am to 11.30am, to volunteer are:

Tuesday 12 May – Teesdale
Saturday 16 May – Dufton
Thursday 28 May – Allen Valleys

Please wear sturdy footwear and bring clothing suitable for all weathers. Suitable for adults and children (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult).
Tea & Coffee will be provided. If you have access requirements, please let us know in advance so we can try to accommodate them.
Please sign up using the volunteer system Better Impact
This event is part of North Pennines NatureFest running from Saturday 23 May to Sunday 7 June 2026. See the full programme at www.NorthPenninesNatureFest.org.uk #NorthPenninesNatureFest26
© Buff tip – Martin Rogers

Saturday stroll - a guided walk - rooted in lead
2026-05-30 10:30 - 14:30 | Allenheads
Join us for a gentle three-mile Saturday stroll through the remarkable lead mining landscape of Allenheads on 30 May, at 10.30am to 1pm. This creative walk is led by artist Carole McCourt and offers a relaxed way to explore heritage, ecology and the stories shaped by centuries of mining.
Starting in the village square we will walk past the old blacksmith’s shop before heading into the quiet woodland paths that lead towards Pease Meadows. Here, we pause to look closely at the extraordinary lead tolerant flowers that thrive in soils shaped by the area’s industrial past. These small but resilient plants are central to the Rooted in Lead project, and the walk offers a chance to learn how they survive and what they can tell us about the history beneath our feet.
The route continues to the Mine Shop, the former mine yard and the Bousteads, where the landscape still carries the marks of the people who lived and worked here. Along the way, we explore how mining shaped the village, the land and the unique habitats that remain today.
This is a steady, welcoming walk suitable for most abilities, with plenty of time for conversation, creative looking and shared discovery.
Please wear suitable footwear and weather appropriate clothing. Free refreshments will be available after the walk.
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.
Optional donation – suggested amount £3. Your donation enables the North Pennines National Landscape team to protect and restore this special place and help people connect with nature.
Please use the Ticketsource link to book.

This event is part of North Pennines NatureFest running from Saturday 23 May to Sunday 7 June 2026. See the full programme at www.NorthPenninesNatureFest.org.uk #NorthPenninesNatureFest26

Nature Camp weekend - Low Way Farm
2026-05-30 12:00 - 2026-05-31 14:00 | Low Way Farm, Holwick, DL12 0NJ
Enjoy a family-friendly weekend of nature themed activities at Low Way Farm in Holwick, Teesdale, Saturday 30 May from 12 noon to Sunday 31 May 2pm.
Activities will be running throughout the day and into the evening, but you can take it at your own pace. There are options to bring your own kit and camp, or stay in the bunkhouse. An evening meal and breakfast are provided within the ticket price.
There is camping kit available to borrow if needed (tents, sleeping bags, liners and mats), simply let us know when you are booking if you require this.
The event is suitable for children 5+. All children must be supervised by a responsible adult. Due to the nature of the weekend it is not dog friendly.

Activities on offer:

River dipping
Bat detectors and moth trapping
Wandering through the wildflower meadows
Arts and crafts
Immersive morning bird song walk with sound recording artist
Nature cinema
Meet the farmer
Communal campfire

Further details of the above activities will be sent to attendees closer to the time.
Tickets

Admission – Adult £30 / Child £20.
Accommodation – Camping is free, bunk barn per person is £5.

We would like everyone to be able to attend Nature Camp. 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 get in touch with molly@northpennines.org.uk to find out more about access for all tickets.
Please use the link to book admission and accommodation tickets.

Interior of a room in the bunk barn at Low Way
Low Way Farm and meadow
Campfire get together

Meet the animals
Low Way Farm
Moth trapping

This event is part of North Pennines NatureFest running from Saturday 23 May to Sunday 7 June 2026. See the full programme at www.NorthPenninesNatureFest.org.uk #NorthPenninesNatureFest26

Mine site maintenance
2026-06-02 10:00 - 15:00 | TBC
Volunteer opportunities to undertake maintenance works to various mine sites across the North Pennines, on the first Tuesday of each month, commencing 3 March 2026, 10am to 3pm.
In this monthly activity you will join Gary and Arran of Heritage Consolidation, to undertake maintenance tasks at lead mining structures.
Steel toe capped boots and gloves are strongly recommended for this task, gloves can be provided.
More details will be provided upon signing up. Suitable for 18+
Locations will be decided closer to the date.
Dates are:-
3 March
7 April
5 May
2 June
7 July
4 August
1 September
6 October
3 November
1 December
Sign up using the Better Impact volunteer link

Nature walk: High Helbeck
2026-06-03 10:30 - 15:00 | High Helbeck, CA17 4DZ
Join us for a 5km circular guided nature walk, Wednesday 3 June, 10.30am to 3pm, around the High Helbeck estate that has undergone extensive nature recovery work.
The walk will take in waterfalls, wading birds and black grouse in an ever-changing mosaic of habitats being managed sustainably. Please wear footwear and clothing suitable for the weather. Bring a packed lunch and drinks. The walk is not suitable for dogs or young children.
Please note that this is a moderate walk with uneven terrain throughout and occasional steep sections. The walk can also be boggy in sections. Please come prepared for being outdoors in a moorland setting with appropriate clothing for the weather. £2 per person.
Please book using the Ticketsource link

This event is part of North Pennines NatureFest running from Saturday 23 May to Sunday 7 June 2025. See the full programme at www.NorthPenninesNatureFest.org.uk #NorthPenninesNatureFest26

Botanical training opportunities - wildflower, grasses and surveying
2026-06-04 09:45 - 16:30 | Newbiggin Village Hall, DL12 0TX
We are looking for volunteers to undertake botanical surveys on a selection of upland hay meadows that have been restored through seed addition, at locations across the North Pennines.
Time-scales: Botanical surveys are undertaken from third week of June until late July.
Methodology: Groups of two to three volunteers undertake 15 quadrats (1m x 1m square) per meadow. One meadow with 15 quadrats may take between one to two days.
We are offering a free three-day course for beginner’s and botanists wishing to refresh their skills, in exchange for a minimum requirement of helping to survey a meadow over one full day. Beginners are advised to attend all three days, if possible. More experienced botanists can choose which days to attend based on their previous experience. You will need to sign-up to these three training days separately:
Day 1: Wildflower Identification training, Thursday 4 June.
Day 2: Grasses and sedges Identification training, Thursday 11June.
Day 3: Botanical surveys using quadrats training, Thursday 18 June.

We will spend the morning inside, looking at the key flowers and vegetation features of grasses and sedges. In the afternoon we will go on a walk looking at grasses and sedges in a nearby meadow, and along The Pennine Way.
Lunch provided in village hall, with refreshments provided.
The training will be undertaken by Ruth Starr-Keddle, if you have any queries, please email: ruth@northpennines.org.uk.
Please sign up using the Better Impact volunteer system

This event is part of North Pennines NatureFest running from Saturday 23 May to Sunday 7 June 2026. See the full programme at www.NorthPenninesNatureFest.org.uk #NorthPenninesNatureFest26

Wildlife, history and farming - Ecological restoration at RSPB Geltsdale
2026-06-04 10:00 - 12:00 | RSPB Geltsdale, RSPB Geltsdale, Stagsike Cottages, Brampton CA8 2PN, CA8 2PN, United Kingdom
RSPB Geltsdale are hosting a guided walk looking at how nature and agriculture and history co-exist in the English uplands. We’ll look at management for breeding waders, black grouse, the ‘re-wiggling’ of Howgill Beck and the Bruthwaite Forest native woodland planting scheme.
Suitable for ages 12 years and above. Not suitable for dogs.
Further information about RSPB Geltsdale is available at
https://www.rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves/geltsdale
01697 746717 / geltsdale@rspb.org.uk Ian Ryding – ian.ryding@rspb.org.uk and Victoria Benson – Victoria.benson@rspb.org.uk
Please book using the link to Ticketsource

This event is being organised by RSPB Geltsdale and is part of North Pennines NatureFest running from Saturday 23 May to Sunday 7 June 2026. See the full programme at www.NorthPenninesNatureFest.org.uk #NorthPenninesNatureFest26
