Wild Wednesday - den building
2026-04-08 10:30 - 12:30 (Europe/London) | Bowlees Visitor Centre, Newbiggin, DL12 0XF
Wild Wednesdays are activities suitable for children aged five and over to enjoy and be creative.
The exciting challenge for Wednesday 8 April, 10.30am to 12.30pm, at Bowlees Visitor Centre is to build yourselves a den amongst the trees using sticks and other materials, with help and ideas from staff. What will you construct?
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

Drop-in family activity - den building
2026-04-08 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 8 April, 1pm to 4pm.
Den building: Construct a shelter using the features and materials around you.
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.

Tree and hedge planting
2026-04-09 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-04-16 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-05-03 10:00 - 15:30 | Teesdale
Join us on farms across Teesdale to create more space for nature and improve habitat connectivity by planting trees and hedgerows.
There are several volunteer opportunities for tree and hedge planting throughout the winter, at locations across Teesdale.
Tree and hedge planting dates, 10am to 3.30pm:

22 January
30 January
5 February
10 February
18 February
26 February
5 March
10 March
18 March
26 March
31 March
9 April
16 April

A light lunch will be provided but please bring any drinks and snacks. All ages are welcome, children must be supervised by adult. 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.
For any enquires please email william@northpennines.org.uk
Please sign up using the volunteer site Better Impact

Wild Wednesday - sounds of spring
2026-04-15 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.
In this session on Wednesday 15 April, 10.30am to 12.30pm, we will be exploring the sounds of spring, by recording the sounds around us, testing different materials and making our own instruments.
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

Volunteer day at Bowlees tree nursery - family friendly
2026-04-15 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.
This event is especially family friendly.
You can help with our nature recovery work by seed collecting and sowing, potting on, and watering plants. For more information email william@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

Drop-in family activity - sounds of spring
2026-04-15 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 15 April, 1pm to 4pm.
Sounds of Spring: Explore the sounds around you and make your own instruments.
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.

North Pennines Young Archaeologists' Club
2026-04-18 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-05-09 10:00 - 13:00 | Alston Moor Recreation Ground and Pavilion, Alston, CA9 3HS
North Pennines YAC is open to everyone aged 8–16 years interested in archaeology.
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.
The club meet once a month on a Saturday at Alston Moor Recreation Ground and Pavilion, 10am to 1pm. The first session of 2026 is 17 January. 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 note that the location and timing of some sessions may change depending on the activities planned. Please check back closer to the date or email rebecca@northpennines.org.uk for more details.
Please use the link to Ticketsource to book.

Volunteer day at Bowlees tree nursery
2026-04-22 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-13 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-27 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-10 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 william@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

Westgate Village history evenings
2026-04-22 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-05-20 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) – Westgate Glebe Farm, Phillipson

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.

Saturday stroll - a guided walk
2026-04-25 10:30 - 14:30 | Holwick/Low Force
Enjoy the outdoors on a guided walk through a historical landscape on the last Saturday of every month. Join a small group of people taking in the surroundings, and learn about what shaped the landscape as well as the mining heritage.
Saturday strolls are approximately three miles in length on mostly flat ground and with rest breaks along the way.
This month’s walk will begin at 10.30am and finish at approximately 1pm. You are welcome to join us after the walk for free refreshments finishing by 2:30pm. Exact location to be confirmed.
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 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. 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.

Garden club - volunteer opportunity
2026-04-28 10:00 - 12:30, 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

Historic environment on-site working day
2026-04-28 10:00 - 16:00 | Nenthead Mines
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. New and experienced volunteers are most welcome.
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

Historic environment: indoor working day
2026-05-01 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-29 10:00 - 16:00 | North Pennines National Landscape office, 1 Martin Street, Stanhope,, DL132UY
These indoor sessions held in Stanhope, build on our field recording work and gives volunteers the opportunity to develop their skills further. During the day we will process the photographs collected on site to create detailed photogrammetry models, exploring how digital techniques can enhance our understanding of historic landscapes.
The first indoor session for 2026 is Friday 30 January, 10 am to 4pm.
Volunteers will also work with a range of sources—including written accounts, LiDAR data and QGIS mapping—to place the recorded lead mining sites in their wider historical context. Our findings will be added to Historic England’s Missing Pieces project, helping to expand and enrich the national record.
No previous experience is needed; this session is designed to support beginners while offering plenty of scope for those wishing to grow their research and digital heritage skills.
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 for 2026 – all at Stanhope are drop in sessions from 10am to 4pm:
• Friday 30th January – Cancelled due to adverse weather conditions
• Friday 27th February
• Friday 1st May
• Friday 29th May
• Friday 26th June
• Friday 31st July
• Friday 25th September
• Friday 30th October
• Friday 27th November
• Friday 11th December)
Please sign up using the Better Impact volunteer system

Mine site maintenance
2026-05-05 10:00 - 15:00, 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

Why are the North Pennines so high? A geology talk
2026-05-07 18:00 - 19:30 | Bowlees Visitor Centre, Newbiggin, DL12 0XF
Why are the North Pennines so high? The answer lies in the rocks. Find out more in this talk by geologist Charlie Bendall on 7 May, 6pm to 7.30pm at Bowlees Visitor Centre.
The North Pennines have the seven highest hilltops in the Pennines and more ground over 600m (2000ft) than the rest of the Pennines combined. There are sound geological reasons why this is so that will be explored in this talk.
This is one of three talks being given by Charlie Bendall as he walks the Pennine Way again to celebrate the release of his book, “Pennine Way: A Geological Companion”.
This is a free event but space is limited so please book using the link below.

Note: This event is led by an external speaker and views expressed are their own.

BeeWalk training with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust - Teesdale pollinator surveying
2026-05-14 09:30 - 16:00 | Bowlees Visitor Centre, Newbiggin, DL12 0XF
We are looking for adult volunteers to take part in BeeWalks. We are offering a free one-day training course, for both beginners and those with experience, to learn about the identification of all 24 British bumblebees.
The course takes place on 15 May from 9.30am to 4pm, at Bowlees Visitor Centre in the morning and along the Pennine Way in the afternoon. The walks and training follow the Bumblebee Conservation Trust’s (BCT) survey methodology and training will include information on the national BeeWalk scheme.
Each BeeWalk would be approximately 1 to 2 km long, encompassing a variety of habitats including a selection of upland hay meadows, woodland, or roadside verges. The BeeWalks take place from May to September, bi-weekly, and can be carried out individually or paired with another volunteer. The aim is to monitor a selection of meadows pre- and post-restoration to see the impacts upon pollinator abundance, whilst also adding vital data to a countrywide programme run by the BCT. The BeeWalks will be coordinated by a member of the Tees-Swale Farming and Nature Team.
Training will be undertaken by Andy Benson, Skills for BeeWalk project manager at the Bumblebee Conversation Trust.
Please contact Willaim for more information: william@northpennines.org.uk.
Please sign up using our Better Impact volunteer system

Access improvements
2026-05-14 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-06-11 10:00 - 15:00 | TBC
Volunteer with us to improve access to various lead mine sites across the North Pennines on the second Thursday of each month starting 14 May, 10am to 3pm.
In this monthly activity you will join Adam, Access Officer at the North Pennines National Landscape, to help make improvements to footpaths leading to mining sites.
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+.
Exact locations will be decided closer to the date of the activity.
Dates for 2026, second Thursday of each month, 10am to 3pm:
9 April – postponed
14 May
11June
9July
13 August
10 September
8 October
12 November
10 December
Please sign up using the link to Better Impact volunteer system

Historic environment on-site working day
2026-05-27 10:00 - 16:00 | Beldon Mine, Blanchland
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

Saturday stroll - a guided walk
2026-05-30 10:30 - 14:30 | Metalliferous Plants walk
