North Pennines National Landscape

Stargazing at the Crewe
2024-11-01 19:00 - 22:00 (Europe/London) | Lord Crewe Arms, The Square, Blanchland, Northumberland, DH8 9SP, United Kingdom
Join the Lord Crewe team in The Gatehouse at the Lord Crewe, Blanchland for an evening of stargazing with Andy Gray. Andy is an expert in his field and will give a beginners’ guide to the starry sky.
If the weather is clear, expect a trip to the bottom of the garden to have a look through the telescopes. Wrap up in blankets and enjoy a hot drink to keep you warm. There will be a hearty stew and a delicious pudding to greet you in The Gatehouse afterwards.
The ticket (£50) includes stargazing with a hot drink followed by a two-course supper. Please let the Lord Crewe team know in advance if you have any dietary requirements.
The Gatehouse is a 12th Century building accessed via external stone stairs and has steps of various sizes throughout. Please note it is not a dog friendly space.
Want to stay the night? Book your ticket and give the hotel a call on 01434 677100 – to reserve the best available room, at the special event rate of £150 bed & breakfast for the night.
Pre-booking is essential via https://lordcrewearms.wearegifted.co.uk/stargazing-at-the-crewe
This Lord Crewe Arms event is part of the North Pennines Stargazing Festival running from 25 October to 3 November 2024 – www.NorthPenninesStarFest.org #NorthPennStarFest24 #NPennDarkSkies

Pies and skies
2024-11-01 19:00 - 22:00 | The Hive, Nenthead
Join Martin Kitching at The Hive for this mash-up event – combining a pie and peas supper and a fascinating ‘How far is that star’ talk.
How long would it take to walk to the moon? Or travel to another solar system? How long would it be until we noticed, if the sun stopped shining? How do we know all of this and is there somebody, or something, out there asking the same questions? Join Martin Kitching to explore these questions, and more that you probably never knew you wanted the answers to. Martin is an experienced and knowledgeable astronomer – he is based in Northumberland and leads all the tours for Northern Experience Wildlife Tours (NEWT).
Your ticket includes hot drinks, pie, chips and peas. Places are limited so don’t leave it too late to book.

Adult: £15 (18+)
Children: £10 (7+, must be accompanied by an adult)

Pre-booking is essential via: Events – The Hive Nenthead
The Hive, Nenthead, Alston, Cumbria CA9 3PF – how to find The Hive
Hopefully there will be an opportunity (weather permitting) to view the stars through a telescope. But note that the event will go ahead if the sky is overcast.
This event is aimed at people with a general interest in the night sky, including families with children (aimed at ages 7+). Bring warm/waterproof clothes/a torch (red light if you have one).
No dogs please – they’re a trip hazard around telescopes.
This event is organised by The Hive and is part of the North Pennines Stargazing Festival running from 25 October to 3 November 2024 – www.NorthPenninesStarFest.org #NorthPennStarFest24 #NPennDarkSkies

Dark sky astronomy and stargazing
2024-11-01 20:00 - 23:00, 2024-11-02 20:00 - 23:00, 2024-11-03 20:00 - 23:00 | Grassholme Observatory, DL12 0PW
The event will begin with a welcome from the lead astronomer at Grassholme Observatory, Gary Fildes. Gary is a very experienced science communicator and astronomer, and founder of the Kielder Observatory, where he was Director and CEO for over 11 years.
After the welcome Gary will take you on a whistle-stop tour of the Universe. Following this, you will split into groups and, weather depending, start observing the sky, with telescopes and cameras.
With no Moon in the sky, you will look out for the Milky Way, and many deep sky objects like galaxies, nebulae and star clusters. You will then use the robotic telescope to scour the skies for other jewels in the cosmos.
Then it’s back into the classroom for a hot drink and questions. Bring warm clothes – it can get chilly when we are outside. This is a pet free event, so please don’t bring any.
Visit https://www.grassholmeobservatory.com/book to book and for full terms and conditions.

Adult: £24 (16+)
Family: £70 (group ticket for 3-4 people, max of 4, min of 3 – at least 1 child)
Concessions: £22 (65+, 1-16 years or Blue Badge holder)

For directions visit www.grassholmeobservatory.com/contact/
Grassholme Observatory is wheelchair accessible and there are accessible toilets on site. For more information about Grassholme Waterside Park visit https://www.watersideparksuk.com/park/grassholme/
This Grassholme Observatory event is part of the North Pennines Stargazing Festival running from 25 October to 3 November 2024 – www.NorthPenninesStarFest.org #NorthPennStarFest24 #NPennDarkSkies.

Introduction to QGIS workshop
2024-11-02 10:00 - 16:00 | Carrshield Village Hall, Barney Craig, Carrshield, Northumberland, NE47 8AR, United Kingdom
Help us map historic sites by learning how to use this digital mapping software, QGIS (Quantum Geographic Information System). This can be used to look at how many historic sites we have in a particular area of the North Pennines, where they are located, and give insight into how the sites were used. The QGIS workshop is on Saturday 2 November 10am to 4pm, at Carrshield Village Hall, near Hexham.
QGIS is a free digital mapping software that is commonly used in archaeology and heritage management. The programme can be used to gather, store and visualise data. You will also receive a copy of our QGIS manual that you can keep and use as you continue using the programme.
Please note, all attendees need to be over the age of 18 and will need to bring along their own laptop in order to be able to join the workshop.
Please sign up using the volunteer system Better Impact

Family astronomy at Grassholme Observatory
2024-11-02 18:00 - 19:30 | Grassholme Observatory, DL12 0PW
Due to popular demand, the team at Grassholme Observatory have laid on this exclusive event on Saturday 2 November 6pm to 7.30pm – to educate the little ones on all things spacey.
What better way to get the kids into astronomy and science than a visit to one of the UK’s newest observatories. Your little ones will enjoy an interactive talk in the classroom and then children will be able to see and touch rocks from space – meteorites.
A stunning interactive talk on space stuff in our purpose-built classroom and then weather permitting outside under the stars for some stargazing and peering through telescopes.
Hot chocolate and radiators are available too. All in all, a wonderful introduction to family astronomy under the dark skies of Grassholme.
Bring warm clothes – it can get chilly when you are outside. This is a pet free event, so please don’t bring any.
Pre-booking essential via https://bookwhen.com/grassholmeobservatory/e/ev-spdb-20241102180000 and for full terms and conditions.

Adult (16+): £19
Child (1-15): £12
Family (group ticket for 3-4 people, max of 4, min of 3 – at least 1 child): £65
Concessions (65+ or Blue Badge holder): £16

For directions visit www.grassholmeobservatory.com/contact/
Grassholme Observatory is wheelchair accessible and there are accessible toilets on site.
This Grassholme Observatory event is part of the North Pennines Stargazing Festival running from 25 October to 3 November 2024 – www.NorthPenninesStarFest.org
#NorthPennStarFest24 #NPennDarkSkies

Stargazing suppers at High Force
2024-11-02 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

Stargazing suppers at High Force
2024-11-02 18:30 - 20:30 | High Force Hotel, The High Force Hotel, Alston Rd, Forest-in-Teesdale, DL12 0XH
A magical evening of stargazing and fine dining. 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 also Friday 1 and Saturday 2 November at 6pm to 8.30pm and 8.30pm 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/a torch (red light if you have one). 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

Farming and nature talk: trees in the farmed landscape
2024-11-06 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.
“Trees in the farmed landscape”, Wednesday 6 November, with guest speaker Pete Leeson will cover the many aspects of working with people at all scales to bring trees back into the landscape where they can help us with farming, water management, biodiversity and adaptation to climate change.
Pete has been at the Woodland Trust for over 30 years. In his first 15 years at the Trust he worked as a surveyor on land and woodland acquisition – trying to build the Trust’s estate – but having gained more interest in farming and the uplands he switched roles to that of an adviser working with farmers and land managers on areas like regenerative agriculture, wood pastures and more tree’d landscapes in Northern England. Pete also has a podcast ‘Tree Amble’: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/tree-amble/id1693567978
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.

Volunteer opportunities - plug planting
2024-11-07 10:00 - 15:30, 2024-11-21 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 - wildflower seed sowing
2024-11-13 10:00 - 15:30 | St Thomas’ Church Hall, Stanhope
Join us for a session of sorting and sowing wildflower seeds on Wednesday 13 November, 10am to 3.30pm, at Stanhope Church Hall. We will be sowing seeds from important species such as great burnet that have been collected from existing populations in Teesdale.
Once grown these plants will be used to enhance upland hay meadows in Teesdale.
All training and equipment will be provided. Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be provided but please bring your own packed lunch.
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.

Introduction to local holdings research workshop
2024-11-13 13:00 - 17:00 | Alston Town Hall, Front Street, Alston, CA9 3RF
The introduction to local holdings research workshop, at Alston Town Hall, 13 November, 1pm to 5pm, will explore the many local collections available for conducting primary historical research as part of the Land of Lead and Silver project.
Help us unravel the variety of fascinating historical documents and artefacts. Together we will consider how to interpret different material to shed light on the often-overlooked captivating stories of those who lived and worked in the North Pennines lead mining communities.
All aged 18+ are welcome from complete beginners to seasoned researchers. There is also the exciting opportunity to hone these skills as part of a longer research project exploring the social history of the people who shaped the North Pennines and its landscape.
This work is part of the Land of Lead and Silver project, exploring the lead mining heritage that has shaped much of this landscape.
Please sign up using the volunteer system Better Impact

North Pennines Historic Environment Forum 2024
2024-11-23 10:00 - 16:00 | Allendale Village Hall, Leadgate, Allendale, NE47 9PR
Join us for the North Pennines Historic Environment Forum at Allendale Village Hall, Allendale Town, NE47 9PR, on Saturday 23 November, 10am to 4pm, for a day filled with talks from National Landscape staff and guest speakers.
Talks will include:

Land of Lead and Silver – end of year 1 update (Rebecca Cadbury-Simmons and Andie Harris)
Photogrammetry in the land of lead and silver – finding a new angle (Kevin Smith)
Consolidating heritage by Heritage Consolidation Ltd (Gary Simpson)
Modelling mines… and mining models: how 3D imaging can help us see, and conserve heritage (Nick Unwin)
The quaker history of the Allen and South Tyne Valleys (David Penn)
A sink to rising Fairy tale: cave exploration in Weardale (Adele Ward)
The old man and the fox: stories of the people who made mining history in Scordale (Ruth Wharton)

Talks and buffet lunch – £25 / Talks only – £15. Wheelchair accessible.
We are offering five free bursary places for the forum. There is no strict criteria for these places, they are available to anyone for whom the cost is prohibitive. To request a bursary place please email rebecca@northpennines.org.uk.
Please book using the TicketSource link

Volunteer opportunity - tree seed sowing
2024-11-27 10:00 - 13:00 | Bowlees Visitor Centre
Join us at the Bowlees Visitor Centre on Wednesday 27 November, 10am to 1pm, for a session sowing seeds collected from local provenance trees such as juniper and alder.
The seeds will be grown on at Bowlees Tree & Wildflower Nursery before being planted out as part of the Tees-Swale: naturally connected programme.
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 day at Bowlees tree nursery
2024-11-27 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.

Nenthead200 volunteer committee meeting
2024-11-27 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.
We’re seeking a group of enthusiastic volunteers to help us plan the mining event in Nenthead, in August next year. The group will meet once a month in the lead up to the event to help plan, advise, and to work together with the local community of Nenthead.
Everyone is welcome to come along to the first meeting on 27 November, 5.30pm to 7.30pm, at Nenthead Village Hall. Free refreshments provided. Children must be supervised by an adult. Wheelchair accessible, no designated parking but drop-off available near the entrance.

Farming and nature talk: hefted to the floristic fells
2024-11-27 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.
At the third talk in our series, Dr Margaret Bradshaw will talk about her knowledge of the floristic treasures of Upper Teesdale and how important farming is to keep these botanical hotspots conserved into the future.
Dr Margaret Bradshaw is a well-known, 98 year-old botanist who has campaigned tirelessly to raise the profile of Upper Teesdale’s species-rich flora, and the importance of managing these areas through sensitive grazing. She has helped to set-up the Teesdale Special Flora Trust: https://www.teesdalespecialflora.uk/
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.

Hedge and tree planting
2024-11-29 10:00 - 15:30, 2024-12-03 10:00 - 15:30, 2024-12-13 10:00 - 15:30 | Teesdale
Help us to create more space for nature and improve habitat connectivity by planting trees and hedgerows on farms across Teesdale this winter.
There are various dates available to volunteer. Friday 29 and Saturday 30 November. Tuesday 3, Friday 13 December. Dates for 2025 are Saturday 19 January, Saturday 22, Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 February, 10am to 3.30pm.
All training and equipment will be provided. Please wear outdoor clothing, bring waterproofs and wear boots with a sturdy sole. The activity is open to all but a general level of fitness needed. All children must be supervised by an adult.
A light lunch will be provided but please bring any drinks and snacks. You are welcome to leave earlier if needed. 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.
Please sign up using the Better Impact volunteer system

Family friendly - hedge and tree planting
2024-11-30 10:00 - 15:30, 2024-12-14 10:00 - 15:30 | Teesdale
Spend time with the family outdoors helping to plant trees and hedgerows on farms across Teesdale this winter.
There are various dates available to join us. Saturday 30 November, Saturday 14 December, Sunday 19 January and over the half term break Saturday 22, Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 February, 10am to 3.30pm.
All equipment and help will be provided. Please wear outdoor clothing, bring waterproofs and wear boots with a sturdy sole.
A light lunch will be provided but please bring any drinks and snacks. You are welcome to leave earlier if needed. Volunteer opportunities may be postponed due to weather conditions, any changes will be communicated at least 24 hours before the event where possible. All children must be supervised by an adult.
Please contact William: william@northpennines.org.uk for more information or if you have a query.
Please sign up using the Better Impact volunteer system

Postponed - Saturday stroll - a guided walk
2024-11-30 10:30 - 12:30 | Dufton public car park
Postponed
Walk with us through a historic landscape at a relaxed pace on the last Saturday of each month.
The venue on 30 November will be Dufton, Appleby-in-Westmorland. The walk will begin at 10.30am and finish at approximately 12.30pm. You are welcome to join us afterwards 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

Volunteer opportunity - access work at Middlehopeshield
2024-12-02 10:00 - 15:00 | Westgate
Help us make access improvements to the path from Slit Woods to Middlehopeshield.
The work will include moving materials for the access works, stone and gravel, into a trailer to move to the site by quad bike (2 December), creating a new line of path away from washing floor wall by cutting a terrace into slope, turfing over the existing line of the path, stabilising the slope with a drystone revetment wall, edging with a course of large stone covered with soil and turf, and surfacing with crushed aggregate (January 2025 dates).
Location:
What 3 words ///factoring.hounded.pedicure
Coordinates 54°44’54.1″N 2°08’25.4″W
Map link https://maps.app.goo.gl/5NDXPLm5mwZvSrBu6
Please sign up using the volunteer platform Better Impact

Workshop - using archives for creative purposes
2024-12-12 13:00 - 17:00 | The Hive, Nenthead
In this creative hands-on workshop, at The Hive in Nenthead, Thursday 12th December, 1pm to 5pm, we’ll delve into captivating fragments of the past harnessing the theme of winter. Archives will be the source of inspiration to create vibrant artwork and compelling creative writing pieces.
You’ll have the opportunity to work with a range of original historic items on loan from local collections, along with a range of art materials. You will also receive guidance on how to locate archival material for your future creative projects.
This workshop is suitable for everyone who is curious about items such as photographs, newspaper articles, textiles, objects, long forgotten letters and diaries from the past that ignite the imagination.
Please sign up using the volunteer system Better Impact

Saturday stroll - a guided walk
2024-12-28 10:30 - 12:30 | Hudeshope, DL12 0QY
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 Hudeshope, Middleton-in-Teesdale, on 28 December 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

Volunteer opportunity - access work at Middlehopeshield
2025-01-06 10:00 - 15:00 | Westgate
POSTPONED
Help us make access improvements to the path from Slit Woods to Middlehopeshield.
The work will include creating a new line of path away from washing floor wall by cutting a terrace into slope, turfing over the existing line of the path, stabilising the slope with a drystone revetment wall, edging with a course of large stone covered with soil and turf, and surfacing with crushed aggregate.
Location:
What 3 words ///factoring.hounded.pedicure
Coordinates 54°44’54.1″N 2°08’25.4″W
Map link https://maps.app.goo.gl/5NDXPLm5mwZvSrBu6
Please sign up using the volunteer platform Better Impact

Volunteer opportunity - access work at Middlehopeshield
2025-01-07 10:00 - 15:00 | Westgate
POSTPONED until 20 and 21 January.
Help us make access improvements to the path from Slit Woods to Middlehopeshield.
The work will include creating a new line of path away from washing floor wall by cutting a terrace into slope, turfing over the existing line of the path, stabilising the slope with a drystone revetment wall, edging with a course of large stone covered with soil and turf, and surfacing with crushed aggregate.
Location:
What 3 words ///factoring.hounded.pedicure
Coordinates 54°44’54.1″N 2°08’25.4″W
Map link https://maps.app.goo.gl/5NDXPLm5mwZvSrBu6
Please sign up using the volunteer platform Better Impact
