North Pennines National Landscape

Nenthead200 volunteer committee meeting
2025-06-12 17:30 - 19:30, 2025-07-17 17:30 - 19:30 (Europe/London) | 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.
Join us in helping to plan the mining event in Nenthead, in August next year. The group meets once a month in the lead up working together with the local community of Nenthead.
Please sign up using the volunteer system Better Impact
Please contact rebecca@northpennines.org.uk for more information.
This opportunity is aimed at people living locally to Nenthead or with a specific interest in the mining heritage of the area. Free refreshments provided. Children must be supervised by an adult. Wheelchair accessible, no designated parking but drop-off available near the entrance.

Historic environment indoor working day
2025-06-13 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-01 10:00 - 16:00
These indoor working days follow each on-site working day, giving the opportunity to get involved with processing photogrammetry images into models, archiving condition assessment data, and undertaking historic research. You’ll have the chance to work with other volunteers and trained staff, while helping us to safeguard these important sites.
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 – all at Stanhope from 10am to 4pm:
Wednesday 30 April
Wednesday 16 May
Wednesday 13 June
Wednesday 1 August
Wednesday 12 September
Wednesday 3 October
Wednesday 24 October
Wednesday 28 November
Wednesday 12 December
Please book using the Better Impact volunteer system

Botanical training opportunities - wildflower, grasses and surveying
2025-06-17 09:45 - 16:30, 2025-06-24 09:45 - 16:00 | Bowlees Visitor Centre
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, Tuesday 10 June.
Day 2: Grasses and sedges Identification training, Tuesday 17 June.
Day 3: Botanical surveys using quadrats training, Tuesday 24 June.

The morning will be spent at Bowlees Visitor Centre. In the afternoon there will be a botany walk along The Pennine Way. 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

Explore textiles and heritage: A free four-week creative course
2025-06-22 10:00 - 13:00 | The Hive, Nenthead
Join artist-in-residence, Jenny Brook, for a series of four free textile workshops inspired by the mining heritage and dramatic landscapes of the North Pennines. The course at The Hive, Nenthead, starts Sunday 1 June, 10am to 1pm, and runs each Sunday for a further three weeks, (8, 15 and 22 June).
As well as being creative, the group will focus on women’s social isolation and loneliness. All women are welcome to join and share stories, skills, and inspiration with others.
Places are limited to 10 to ensure individual guidance and plenty of space to develop your ideas during the creative, hands-on journey through textile techniques including botanical printing, mono printing, cyanotype, mark-making, embroidery, and fabric manipulation.
This explorative course offers a chance to experiment, connect, and grow your creative practice in a relaxed and welcoming environment. All materials will be provided.
Book using the link to Ticketsource

Annual Conference 2025
2025-06-25 09:30 - 16:30 | UTASS, 9-11 Chapel Row, Barnard Castle, DL12 0SN, United Kingdom
The Annual Conference is intended to provide people with an opportunity to find out about some of the recent and upcoming work of the National Landscape staff team and to discuss matters relating to the future well-being of our natural and cultural heritage.
This year’s conference, in Middleton-in-Teesdale is being held on Wednesday 25 June, 9.30am to 4.30pm.
The theme this year is nature friendly farming. You’ll hear from people who are doing this vital work, including Paddy Deady, from the Duddon Valley who is involved in a Landscape Recovery scheme alongside his running of a farm, and seasoned nature-friendly dairy farmer James Robinson, from near Kendal. You’ll also hear about our Farming in Protected Landscapes programme (which is open for grant submissions again) and about the National Landscape team’s Landscape Connections programme, that would enable us to provide better and more streamlined support to the farming community.
In the afternoon, we’ll be looking at some examples of nature friendly farming in the field, on one of five short tours; you can select your field trip when you book your place at the event.
Back at the venue, and after a panel discussion (and an opportunity for questions from the floor), we’ll round-off the event by announcing this year’s winner of the ‘Pendlebury Award’ (in memory of our first chairman, Bob Pendlebury), marking an outstanding achievement in conserving the National Landscape or helping others to explore, enjoy and understand this special place.
Booking is essential – if you would like to attend, please book online using the booking form below (including field trip preference and dietary requirements).
Please note that each person will need to book one place as well as one choice of field trip.
Both conference and field trip capacity are limited. If a field trip is full please choose another option.
Annual Conference 2025 booking link

Image © – Martin Rogers

Saturday stroll - a guided walk
2025-06-28 10:30 - 14:30 | Garrigill, CA9 3DS
Join us for a guided walk through a historic landscape at a relaxed pace on the last Saturday of each month, from 10.30am to approximately 1pm. You are welcome to join us after the walk for free refreshments finishing by 2.30pm.
This walk, on 28 June, will start in Garrigill, Cumbria. The route takes us to Ashgill Force and along the way we’ll look at some fascinating geology and mining heritage which have helped to shape this beautiful area.
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. 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 book using the Ticketsource link

A Trail of Inspiration: The Pennine Way at 60
2025-07-03 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-07-03 10:00 - 2025-08-31 17:00 | Bowlees Visitor Centre
A travelling exhibition celebrating 60 years of the Pennine Way is making another stop on its journey along the iconic National Trail, arriving in the North Pennines National Landscape for a two-month residency.
‘A Trail of Inspiration: the Pennine Way at 60’ features work from artists, musicians, videographers, writers and poets, all inspired by journeys and experiences along this beloved 268-mile walking route.
The exhibition will be on show at the North Pennines National Landscape’s Bowlees Visitor Centre, in Upper Teesdale from 3 July to 31 August.
Each of the artists has created their own response to their experiences of walking and enjoying the trail. From talking backpacks and music, to paintings and weavings, the exhibition is as rich and varied as a day spent walking along the Pennine Way. As well as the creative work, there is a canvas which gathers 300 images sent in by members of the public to share and celebrate the Pennine Way.
Please note that the exhibition space at Bowlees is accessed via stairs.

Sally Zaranko with her artwork: Walking Weaving and Lines and Lino: tracing the trail

National Meadows Day - family friendly
2025-07-05 10:30 - 15:30 | Low Way Farm, Holwick, DL12 0NJ
Celebrate National Meadows Day at this family friendly event on Saturday 5 July 10.30am to 15.30pm, at Low Way Farm, Holwick. Experience Teesdale’s magnificent meadows at their midsummer best, exploring these special habitats, their farming history and the wildlife they support.
Join in the fun and creative activities for families and adults interested in nature, farming and cultural heritage. There will be live music, farmhouse food and drinks including tea and scones on sale, or you are welcome to bring your own picnic. Workshops and activities are included.
£5 per person, including a free scone and hot drink. Children under 13 are free of charge (including a free scone and soft drink). If you don’t want refreshments then there is a suggested donation of £3 per ticket. Your donation enables the North Pennines National Landscape team to protect and restore this special place and help people connect with nature.
Activities during the day:

Guided wildflower & bumblebee walks through the meadows: Join the North Pennines farming and nature team for a guided walk around an upland hay meadow, identifying the wildflowers and insects commonly found there
Botanical ink monoprint workshop with local artists: Create ink prints inspired by the wildflowers and grasses of a meadow with local artist, Abi Baker
Traditional scything & meadow restoration demos: Demonstrations of traditional hay cutting using a scythe, along with demonstrations of current restoration techniques of hay meadows
Microscope activity station: Using microscopes, explore the details and features of wildflower seeds with artist, Matt Denham
Live acoustic folk music from Will Finn and Rosie Calvert
Knitting circle: Join artist, Laura Harrington for a social knitting session
Arts and photography exhibition: Displays of art produced by local schools, and an exhibition of meadow plant photography
Upland hay meadow film: Throughout the day will be regular screenings of the North Pennines National Landscape’s film showcasing our upland hay meadows
Citizen science pollinator monitoring: Observing plants in the meadows to record what insects are visiting the meadow
Farm machinery displays, old and new: from scythes and horse drawn machinery, to modern day tractors and trailers. See the machinery used to manage meadows across the years
Walks with farm animals: Perfect for younger visitors, walk with lambs and goats
Stalls and displays from local history archivists the Fitzhugh Library, exploring the cultural history of Hay meadows in Teesdale

All children must be supervised by an adult. Dogs on leads are allowed. Free parking and toilets available on site. The site is not wheelchair accessible.
Please book using the Ticketsource link.

Adder survey opportunities
2025-07-08 09:00 - 12:00 | Rookhope
Would you like to contribute to the conservation of adders in the North Pennines National Landscape?
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to complete surveys of this iconic reptile, which is now vulnerable to extinction in England, as part of our ‘Adders Up’ project.
There are three opportunities to volunteer at a location near Rookhope, 8 July, 6 August, 3 September, 9am to 12 noon.
The surveys are ideally suited for adults, under 16’s must be supervised by an adult. Walking distances are short, but potentially over un-even terrain and on slopes. Please wear sturdy boots, outdoor clothing appropriate for the weather, bring snacks and drinks and a fully charged mobile phone. No toilets / amenities are present on the sites. Nearest options will be made known at the start of the session during the H&S briefing.
Please contact Henry Barrett for more information.
Please sign up using the volunteer system Better Impact.

Holwick landscape walk
2025-07-12 13:00 - 16:00 | Bowlees Visitor Centre
Join the North Pennines National Landscape team on a leisurely guided walk from Bowlees Visitor Centre to Holwick. This circular route includes farmed land, wild flower meadows and Holwick Scar. Learn about the local geology and have a closer look at some of the special flowers along the way. The walk will be at a relaxed pace and will take around two hours, with stops at points of interest.
The walk starts at Bowlees Visitor Centre, Teesdale, on Saturday 12 July, 1pm and finishing at approximately 4pm.
As the event will be taking place outdoors, please dress for the weather. We recommend walking boots or even wellies as it can be muddy in places. Bowlees Visitor Centre will be open for toilets and refreshments at the start and end of 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 are not be suitable for pushchairs). Well behaved dogs on a short lead are welcome. The walk will be approximately 4 km in length on mostly flat ground and with rest breaks along the way.
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.

Nenthead200 historical research group
2025-07-13 13:00 - 16:00 | Alston Town Hall, Front Street, Alston, CA9 3RF
2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the London Lead Company planning the village of Nenthead. To celebrate this, a timeline is being developed, to chronicle key events in the village’s development, as well as a series of plaques to commemorate the special places and people who lived here.
A research group of people living locally to Nenthead, or with a specific interest in the mining heritage of the area, is being formed to consult archival and secondary material. Over four sessions the research group will piece together Nenthead Village’s fascinating history.
No prior research experience is needed and volunteers will be fully supported.
Locations:
Sundays 13 April and 11 May 2025 at Nenthead Mines, Nenthead House Old Smelting Mill, Nenthead CA9 3NR
https://maps.app.goo.gl/YLC8JLnLd8fcZr2PA
Sundays 8 June and 13 July 2025 at Alston Moor Historical Society, Town Hall, Front St, Alston CA9 3RF
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZkSNvNxqWWx9v3wA9
There is no designated parking at either venue but drop-off is available near to both.
Please book using the Better Impact volunteer system

Adder survey opportunities
2025-07-16 09:00 - 12:00 | Frosterley
Would you like to contribute to the conservation of adders in the North Pennines National Landscape?
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to complete surveys of this iconic reptile, which is now vulnerable to extinction in England, as part of our ‘Adders Up’ project.
Three opportunities to volunteer at a location near Frosterley, 16 July, 20 August and 16 September, 9am to 12 noon.
The surveys are ideally suited for adults, under 16’s must be supervised by an adult. Walking distances are short, but potentially over un-even terrain and on slopes. Please wear sturdy boots, outdoor clothing appropriate for the weather, bring snacks and drinks and a fully charged mobile phone. No toilets / amenities are present on the sites. Nearest options will be made known at the start of the session during the H&S briefing.
Please contact Henry Barrett for more information.
Please sign up using the volunteer system Better Impact.

Wildflower seed collecting
2025-07-16 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-07-30 10:00 - 13:00 | Teesdale
Volunteer with us for a session of collecting wildflower seeds from sites across Teesdale on 16 July, 30 July and 27 August, 10am to 1pm.
As part of the Tees-Swale: naturally connected programme wildflower seeds will be sown at workshops in the Autumn and the grown on into plants which can be used as part of the restoration and enhancement of meadows in Teesdale.
Please wear sturdy footwear and clothing suitable for the weather. The session going ahead on this date is dependent upon seasonal variations in the ripening of seeds. If the session has to be re-scheduled this will be communicated to people signed up no later than 24 hours prior to the session.
Sign up using the Better Impact volunteer system.

Learn to scythe workshop
2025-07-21 08:30 - 17:00 | Low Way Farm, Holwick, DL12 0NJ
Join us at Low way farm, Holwick on Monday 21 July 2025, for an enjoyable day learning the traditional skill of scything. This practical workshop is ideal for anyone interested in nature friendly land management, gardening or learning a new skill.
You will learn about the anatomy and setting up of a scythe, honing the blade with a whet stone and peening a blade with a jig, using scythes for the management of meadows, and different mowing techniques, as well as the essential maintenance of a scythe throughout the year.
By the end of the workshop, you will hopefully have gained confidence and skills in using a scythe to manage habitats. Whilst enjoying a day spent outdoors with likeminded people.
If you already own a scythe, please bring it along for the training day, otherwise a £20 fee is required for the days hire of a scythe.
A meadow picnic will be provided for lunch, but feel free to bring any drinks and refreshments that you wish to.
The scythe workshop will be delivered by horticulturalist and conservationist John Grundy, of Wildnerness Tamed.
Cost:
£65 Full day learn-to-scythe training
£20 Scythe hire (or you can bring your own scythe for free)
Scythe training is suitable for people over 18. Unfortunately due to the nature of the training it is not dog friendly.
For extra information please contact William at: william@northpennines.org.uk

Please book using the link to Ticketsource below

Felted geode workshop (Nenthead200)
2025-07-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Nenthead Village Hall, Nenthead, Alston, CA9 3PN
Learn how to felt with wool and create your own ‘crystal geode’ to take home in this workshop with Anna Osborne of Felt Curious.
This family friendly workshop on 21 July, 6pm to 8pm, at Nenthead Village Hall, Nenthead, Alston. We will be taking inspiration from the unique geology of the North Pennines to make hollow ‘rocks’ from layers of coloured wool. Once felted, they are then cut open to reveal the magic within and embellished with crystals. Perfect for beginners of all ages over seven years, but also those who have had a go at felting and want to learn a new technique.
This workshop is part of the Nenthead200 celebrations, marking 200 years since the London Lead Company designed the village of Nenthead. To find out more go to: https://northpennines.org.uk/what_we_do/historic-environment/land-of-lead-and-silver/nenthead200-celebration/
Suggested donation £3 per person. 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.

Volunteer opportunity to remove invasive garden Lady’s-mantle
2025-07-25 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-07-31 10:00 - 16:00 | Langdon Beck
Join us for a practical day to help dig up and remove invasive garden Lady’s-mantle (Alchemilla mollis) from an area around an Upper Teesdale beck.
This area of Upper Teesdale in the North Pennines National Landscape is especially important for the population of rare native plants that are found there. If the garden Lady’s-mantle is left to set seed, it poses a risk of spreading to further sites and possibly out competing and replacing the important native plant communities.
This activity requires a good level of fitness as well as the ability to navigate uneven terrain. Training will be given on the morning of the event.
Exact location will be sent 48 hours prior to the event. Suitable for all ages; children must be supervised by an adult.
Please sign up using the Better Impact volunteer platform.

Saturday stroll - a guided walk
2025-07-26 10:30 - 14:30 | Bollihope
CANCELLED.
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 Bollihope, near Stanhope, on Saturday 26 July 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.
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 £3. Your donation enables the North Pennines National Landscape team to protect and restore this special place and help people connect with nature.
Please book using the Ticketsource link

Guided walk - From ice to restoration: a peatland journey
2025-07-27 10:00 - 16:00 | Murton Fell car park, Murton Fell Car Park, Murton, Appleby in Westmorland, CA16 6ND, United Kingdom
Celebrate Bog Day on a 14km guided walk across peatlands with breathtaking views of High Cup Nick, 27 July, 10am to 4pm. Come along and uncover the historical timeline of the bog.
Join us on a journey through time. Travel back 10,000 years to the end of the Ice Age and the formation of blanket bog. Learn about the use of peat in medieval times. Then arrive in the present day to explore how peatland restoration work is continuing to bring bog habitats back to life.
The walk is suitable for ages 15 years and above. It is a moderately strenuous walk with steep inclines. Hiking boots are required, and a suitable level of fitness to walk for 4 hours. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Please bring plenty of water, a packed lunch, and waterproof clothing. Not suitable for dogs.
Suggested donation £3 per person. 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.

Historic environment on-site working day
2025-07-29 10:00 - 16:00
Come along and get involved in recording historic structures on working days at sites around the North Pennines. This is a chance to use your skills related to recording historic features, including photogrammetry and condition assessment. 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 weathers. You will also need a packed lunch, snacks and a drink. You are welcome to bring equipment with you, but we will also have some equipment available for you to use.
Dates:
Tuesday 29 July – Augill, off the A66 near Brough
Thursday 11 September – location tbc
Tuesday 30 September – location tbc
Tuesday 21 October – location tbc
Tuesday 25 November – location tbc
Tuesday 9 December – location tbc
All other locations are to be confirmed.
Please book using the Better Impact volunteer system

Adder survey opportunities
2025-07-30 09:00 - 12:00 | Mickleton
Would you like to contribute to the conservation of adders in the North Pennines National Landscape?
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to complete surveys of this iconic reptile, which is now vulnerable to extinction in England, as part of our ‘Adders Up’ project.
There are three opportunities to volunteer at a location near Mickleton, 30 July and 19 August, 9am to 12 noon.
The surveys are ideally suited for adults, under 16’s must be supervised by an adult. Walking distances are short, but potentially over un-even terrain and on slopes. Please wear sturdy boots, outdoor clothing appropriate for the weather, bring snacks and drinks and a fully charged mobile phone. No toilets / amenities are present on the sites. Nearest options will be made known at the start of the session during the H&S briefing.
Please contact Henry Barrett for more information.
Please sign up using the volunteer system Better Impact.

Wild Wednesday - campfire cooking and foraging
2025-07-30 10:30 - 12:30 | Bowlees Visitor Centre
Wild Wednesdays are activities suitable for children aged five and over to enjoy and be creative.
Forage for food to cook on the campfire at Bowlees Visitor Centre, 30 July, 10am to 12.30pm. Enjoy a walk to forage for fruits of the season, identify plants that can be used in recipes and make dips and fillings for your bread on a stick around the campfire.
Suitable for children aged five to 12 years. All children need to be accompanied by an adult. (Younger siblings are welcome but do not need to book). £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 email kerryanne@northpennines.org.uk with any allergies/dietary requirements.
Please wear sturdy footwear, and clothing suitable for the weather and potentially messy activities. The event is not suitable for dogs and is not wheelchair accessible.
Please use the Ticketsource to book

Volunteer day at Bowlees tree nursery
2025-07-30 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.

Tea party on the trail - Nenthead200
2025-08-02 13:00 - 15:00 | Lovelady Shield Hotel, Alston, CA9 3LX
Join us at the historic Georgian country house, Lovelady Shield Hotel, on Saturday 2 August, 1pm to 3pm, for an outdoor afternoon tea party as part of the Nenthead200 celebrations taking place over the next few months.
Take your taste buds back in time with local classic tea party recipes from the Nenthead Women’s Institute cookery book.
Tickets £10 per person. All ages are welcome (children must be accompanied by an adult) and we can allow well-behaved dogs on short leads, but due to allergy reasons they can’t be in the restaurant if we are inside due to bad weather. This is a no alcohol event.
The final details of the event are subject to change, please check back closer to the event for final details.
We are offering 2 bursary places which will reduce the cost to £0. There is no strict criteria for these places, they are available for anyone for whom the cost is prohibitive. To request a bursary place please email rebecca@northpennines.org.uk
Please book using the Ticketsource link

Two-day summer holiday animation workshop
2025-08-05 10:00 - 2025-08-06 16:00 | Allenheads
Looking for something exciting to do in the summer holidays? Join north east animation artist, Robin Webb, for a fun, free two-day workshop for children on Tuesday 5 and Wednesday 6 August 2025.
You’ll explore real mining landscapes on a North Pennines site visit and turn it into your own animated film which will be featured in a special autumn exhibition. You can see an example of the kind of film you might make here.
You’ll learn how to make stop-motion animations using easy-to-use tech that you can continue to use at home, get creative with clay, cut-outs, paint, fabric and more, and bring stories of lead and silver mining to life through your own short film.
No experience needed – just bring your imagination. All materials are provided. You can use your own phone or tablet to collect images if you want to but it’s not required.
Please note, this is a two-day workshop so you need to be available to attend from 10am to 4pm on both days.
Free, but booking required as spaces limited. Please use the Ticketsource link below to book.
