Historic environment on-site working day
2026-05-27 10:00 - 16:00 (Europe/London) | 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

Bird trail at Bowlees - family friendly
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, 2026-05-31 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-01 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-02 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-03 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

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:

Allen Valleys – Thursday 28 May
Dufton – Saturday 13th June
Teesdale – Wednesday 17th June
Weardale – Tuesday 23rd June

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

National Volunteer Week: drop-in session at Bowlees
2026-06-04 13:00 - 16:00 | Bowlees Visitor Centre, Newbiggin, DL12 0XF
Come along to a drop-in session at Bowlees Visitor Centre on Thursday 4 June, 1pm to 4pm to find out out more about volunteering with North Pennines National Landscape team.
Volunteering is a great way to meet people, learn and share skills and knowledge and contribute to heritage and nature conservation. Suitable for ages 16+.
The team will be available to chat about what is on offer, explain how you can get involved and help answer any questions that you may have.

Historic environment: indoor working day
2026-06-05 10:00 - 16:00 | North Pennines National Landscape office, 1 Martin Street, Stanhope,, DL132UY
The monthly volunteer indoor working days at our Stanhope Office build on our historical research /field recording work and gives volunteers the opportunity to develop their skills further.
Historical Research volunteers
For volunteers working on historical research projects (such as “Unlocking the Asylum Archives” and “Caldwell Harpur: Diaries of a Crank”) these monthly research meetings are an excellent opportunity to meet others working on the same project to share exciting research findings, explore emerging themes, and work on any tricky transcriptions together.
Staff will be on hand to offer guidance on resources, answer questions, and help you work through any challenges and supply much needed tea and biscuits.
Photogrammetry and Archaeology volunteers
Photogrammetry volunteers can process the photographs collected on site to create detailed photogrammetry models, exploring how digital techniques can enhance our understanding of historic landscapes. 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; these sessions are designed to support beginners while offering plenty of scope for those wishing to grow their research and digital heritage skills. You do not need to have attended the associated site day to join us for these indoor work sessions.
Refreshments are provided throughout the day but please bring a lunch if needed. 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 – all at Stanhope are drop in sessions from 10am to 4pm:
• Friday 1st May
• Friday 5th June
• Friday 3rd July
• Friday 7th August
• Friday 2nd October
• Friday 30th October
• Friday 4th December
• Friday 18th December)
Please sign up using the Better Impact volunteer system

Historic environment research workshop: unlocking the asylum archives
2026-06-08 10:00 - 14:00 | Woodhorn, QE11 Country Park, Ashington, NE63 9YF
Join us for an exciting skills workshop at Northumberland Archives on Monday 8 June, 10am to 2pm, as part of a new volunteer research project “Melancholy, Mania and Metallurgy: Unlocking the Asylum Archives”. This project will be uncovering the stories of North Pennines lead miners, smelters, and their families who spent time in County Asylums.
The workshop is an opportunity to learn archive skills and interact with historical material from St Georges Hospital Collection (formerly known as Northumberland County Lunatic Asylum) Collection. Sessions include:
• A display class with historical material from the St Georges Hospital Collection (patient registers, illustrated casebooks, post-mortem reports) exploring how to use them and what they can tell us
• An illustrated history of Northumberland County Lunatic Asylum
• Introduction to palaeography skills (reading old handwriting) session with an activity using original documents
• Introduction to digital resources session with an activity using Ancestry records
(Please note that this project is for adults only. Historical documents use outdated terminology to describe disability and mental health conditions and may also contain material that some people find offensive or distressing.)
Please sign up using the volunteer platform Better Impact

Volunteer day at Bowlees tree nursery
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 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

Botanical training opportunities - grasses and sedges identification training
2026-06-11 09:45 - 16:00 | Newbiggin Village Hall, DL12 0TX
We are looking for volunteers to help with botanical surveys on a selection of upland hay meadows that have been restored through seed addition between the third week of June until late July. Groups of 2/3 volunteers will undertake 15 quadrats (1m x 1m square) per meadow. One meadow with 15 quadrats may take between 1-2 days.
There are 3 days of free training for beginner’s, and also botanists wishing to refresh their skills. We require a minimum involvement of 1 full day of helping to survey a meadow following the training.
Beginners should attend all three days, if possible. More experienced botanists can choose which days to attend based on their previous experience. Volunteers need to sign-up to each of these 3 training days separately:
Day 1: Wildflower Identification training, Thursday 4 June.
Day 2: Grasses and sedges Identification training, Thursday 11 June.
Day 3: Botanical surveys using quadrats training, Thursday 18 June.

We will spend the morning in a meadow in Teesdale or Allendale, going through quadrat survey methodology. We will split into groups of three to four and practice undertaking quadrats (1m x 1m squares) with the survey sheets. We will spend the afternoon going through meadow assessments, looking at undertaking w-walkthroughs and assessing negative indicator and positive indicator species. Please bring packed lunch.
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

Volunteer moth trapping opportunities
2026-06-13 09:00 - 11:30 | Various locations
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. 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:

Allen Valleys – Thursday 28 May
Dufton – Saturday 13th June
Teesdale – Wednesday 17th June
Weardale – Tuesday 23rd June

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
© Buff tip – Martin Rogers

North Pennines Young Archaeologists' Club
2026-06-13 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.
