Outdoor Toddlers
2024-08-08 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-08-15 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-08-22 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-08-29 10:00 - 12:00 (Europe/London) | Harehope Quarry, DL13 2SG
Outdoor Toddlers are morning events for children under the age of five along with their parents/carers.
Spend a relaxed morning outdoors, with creative activities available to do together, every Thursday in August, (1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Aug 2024) , 10am to 12 noon, at Harehope Quarry in Frosterley. Drop-in for as long or short a time as you like. Please note that not all parts of this site are wheelchair or pushchair friendly and the site is not suitable for dogs.
The cost is £2 per child (accompanying adults are free).
Please book using the Ticketsource link:

Volunteer opportunity - calaminarian seed collecting
2024-08-08 13:00 - 16:00 | Langdon Beck
Join us for a session of collecting seeds from rare calaminarian plant species in Langdon Beck, Teesdale,on Thursday 8 August, 1pm to 4pm.
Seeds will be sown at workshops this autumn and grown on into plants that can be used as part of the Tees-Swale: naturally connected programmes habitat restoration works on diffuse metals sites.
This activity is suitable for all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult.
Please sign up using the volunteer platform Better Impact.

Volunteer opportunity
2024-08-09 10:00 - 16:00 | Langdon Beck
We are looking for volunteers to help us dig up and remove the invasive plant garden lady’s mantle (Alchemilla mollis) from an Upper Teesdale beck on Friday 9 August , 10am to 4pm.
This area of Upper Teesdale 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 native plant communities there.
With your help, we are hoping to reduce the spread of garden lady’s mantle before it can continue spreading downstream, affecting other sites. The work site will be along the course of a beck so the terrain is expected to be rocky and potentially slippy. We may be working in the beck at times so please wear sturdy waterproof footwear. Wear outdoor clothing and bring waterproofs. Gloves, and tools will be provided on the day. This activity requires a good level of fitness as well as the ability to navigate uneven terrain.
Please sign up using the Better Impact volunteer system.

Wild Wednesday - campfire cooking and foraging
2024-08-14 10:00 - 12:30 | Bowlees Visitor Centre
Wild Wednesdays are are activities suitable for children aged five and over to enjoy and be creative.
Join us on a campfire cooking and foraging experience to enjoy the fruits of the season on Wednesday 14 August, 10.30am to 12.30pm at Bowlees Visitor Centre.
Experience a morning of what it might have been like to live in hunter gatherer times. Each child will cook their own bread on a stick on an open fire that can be dipped or filled with foraged delights. We will go on a foraging walk to learn how to identify plants that can be used in recipes and enjoy your foraged finds added to a herbal tea infused on the camp fire.
All materials and equipment will be provided. Please Email: Kerryanne@northpennines.org.uk with any allergies or dietary requirements. £2. Suitable for children aged 5 to 12 years. All children must be accompanied by an adult. (Younger siblings are welcome but do not need to book a ticket).
Please use the Ticketsource link to book.

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 - tree guard removal and re-staking
2024-08-14 10:00 - 15:00 | Selset Reservoir, DL12 0PR
Join us for a day of removing old tree guards, re-staking guards and installing new guards where needed to a planting site on the south of Selset reservoir. A lovely site over looking Selset reservoir in Lunedale.
There are five opportunities to volunteer – Friday 14 June, Wednesday 19 June and Friday 12 July, 2 August and 14 August, 10am to 3pm, (finish time may be earlier depending on weather).
The site is on uneven terrain, a good level of fitness is needed. All equipment and training will be given on the day. Lunch is included, but please bring any other refreshments and a drink. Please note there are no toilet facilities at this site. Suitable for 18+.
Outdoor clothing to be worn and bring waterproofs. Ideally wear long sleeved top and long trousers due to midges and other insects in the longer grass and rushes. Wear sturdy shoes, the site can be wetter in some places.
Please sign up using the Better Impact Volunteer system

Volunteer opportunity - wildflower seed collecting
2024-08-15 13:00 - 16:00 | Teesdale
Join us for a session of collecting meadow crane’s-bill and ragged robin seeds from a site in Teesdale.
The wildflower seeds collected will be sown at workshops in the autumn and then grown on into plants which can be used as part of the restoration and enhancement of meadows in Teesdale.
This activity is suitable for all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult.
Please sign up using the volunteer platform Better Impact.
Part of the Tees-Swale: naturally connected programme, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund

Family workshop - create postcards of the North Pennines
2024-08-18 10:00 - 16:00 | Blanchland Village Hall, Clap Shaw, Consett, DH8 9UA
Join us for a free family art workshop on Sunday 18 August, 10am to 4pm, at Blanchland Village Hall, to create your own postcard and stamp illustrations inspired by the North Pennines mining heritage.
Daniel J. Weatheritt, graphic artist and designer, will teach you different artistic techniques using water colours, ink, collages and more. Get creative and mix wildlife and industrial themes in your postcards. This workshop is suitable for people of all ages and would make a great family day out.
All artworks will be digitised and projected inside a mysterious cabinet of curiosities to make up part of a public exhibition.
This workshop is part of the 2024 Land of Lead and Silver community arts programme. Daniel Weatheritt is one of four community arts bursary recipients. To find out more go to https://northpennines.org.uk/community-arts-2024/.

Family friendly volunteer opportunity - tree seed collecting
2024-08-20 13:00 - 16:00 | Middleton-in-Teesdale
Join us for a family friendly practical session collecting bird cherry seeds from a site near Middleton-in-Teesdale on Tuesday 20 August, 1pm to 4pm.
The seeds collected will be used to grow local provenance trees at our tree and wildflower nursery at Bowlees Visitor Centre. Bird cherry is a small, widely distributed deciduous tree. Bees and hoverflies visit the flowers and birds gorge on the berries in the late summer.
The volunteer activity is suitable for all ages, children must be supervised by an adult. The exact location will be sent 48 hours prior to the event.
Sign up using the volunteer platform Better Impact.

Wild Wednesday – on the rocks
2024-08-21 10:30 - 12:00 | Bowlees Visitor Centre
Wild Wednesdays are activities suitable for children aged five and over to enjoy and be creative.
Come and explore the rocks around Bowlees on 21 August, 10.30am to 12 noon, and investigate what you can find, what’s special about them and how we use them.
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.

Wild Wednesday - seeds of the summer
2024-08-28 10:30 - 12:30 | Bowlees Visitor Centre
Wild Wednesdays are are activities suitable for children aged five and over to enjoy and be creative.
Join us on a guided walk along the edges of the traditional hay meadows to collect seeds from meadow species on Wednesday 28 August, 10.30am to 12.30pm. We will learn how to identify meadow plants and how the North Pennines National Landscape is working with farmers to restore the magnificent meadows of Teesdale.
Help with the seed sowing activity at the Wildflower and Tree Nursery at Bowlees Visitors Centre contributing to our important restoration work. All materials and equipment will be provided. Please wear sturdy footwear, and clothing suitable for the weather.
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).
Please use the Ticketsource link to book.

Volunteer day at Bowlees tree nursery
2024-08-28 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.

Family friendly volunteer opportunity - tree seed collecting
2024-08-28 13:00 - 16:00 | Teesdale
Join us for a family friendly practical session collecting rowan tree seeds from a site in Teesdale on Wednesday 28 August, 1pm to 4pm.
The seeds collected will be used to grow local provenance trees at our tree and wildflower nursery at Bowlees Visitor Centre.
The volunteer activity is suitable for all ages, children must be supervised by an adult. The exact location will be sent 48 hours prior to the event.
Sign up using the volunteer platform Better Impact.

Woodland ground flora seed collecting
2024-08-30 10:00 - 13:00 | Teesdale
Join us for a day collecting the seeds of woodland ground flora plants such as bluebells, wild garlic, and wood anemone from woodland populations throughout Teesdale.
There are three opportunities to volunteer to help – Monday 1 July, Thursday 1 and Friday 30 August, 10am to 1pm, (the finish time may be earlier depending on the weather). Children must be supervised by an adult.
These woodland plants are very important element of woodland ecosystems, providing food sources and habitat for wildlife. As part of the Tees-Swale: naturally connected programme we are collecting seed from these plants to grow on and plant into recently created woodlands across Teesdale which currently lack a diverse assemblage of nectar rich plant species.
We aim to monitor and trial the success of introducing these plants into newly created woodlands, hopefully contributing to self-sustaining woodland ecosystems capable of supporting greater biodiversity.
Please use the Better Impact system to sign up.

Saturday stroll - a guided walk
2024-08-31 10:30 - 12:30 | Bowlees Visitor Centre
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 Bowlees Visitor Centre on 31 August 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

Adder survey opportunities
2024-09-04 09:00 - 12:00, 2024-09-17 09:00 - 12:00 | Cuthbert’s Moor, Middleton in Teesdale, DL12 0SA
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.
Volunteers must attend a training session before being assigned surveys. Link to online webinar – Upcoming Events –Adders, ecology and survey techniques
There are four opportunities to volunteer at Cuthbert’s Moor (Durham Wildlife Trust):
4 August, 4, 17 and 28 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.

Volunteer opportunity - tree seed collecting
2024-09-04 13:00 - 16:00 | Teesdale
Join us for a session of collecting birch tree seeds from a site in Teesdale, Wednesday 4 September, 1pm to 4pm.
The seeds collected will be used to grow local provenance trees at our tree and wildflower nursery at Bowlees Visitor Centre.
The volunteer activity is suitable for all ages, children must be supervised by an adult. The exact location will be sent 48 hours prior to the event.
Please sign up use the volunteer platform Better Impact.

Lead by fashion exhibition
2024-09-06 15:00 - 20:00 | Brampton Community Centre, Union Lane, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 1BX
A free exhibition and activities celebrating the clothing and textiles of the North Pennines mining communities brings artefacts and photos from The Weardale Museum and Nenthead Mines to venues in the area as part of the national Heritage Open Days festival which takes place in September each year.
Come along and learn about the clothing and textiles used by people in the past at this mini exhibition, featuring historic photos and items used by North Pennines mining communities. We will also have activities on offer including printing one of our designs onto a tote bag and making paper dolls.
The exhibition is suitable for people of all ages, and admission and the activities are all free. The exhibition is visiting four venues throughout Heritage Open Days:
Brampton Community Centre, Gelt Room – Friday 6 September, 3pm to 8pm
Allendale Village Hall – Saturday 7 September, 3pm to 8pm
Alston Town Hall – Monday 9 September, 3pm to 8pm
Stanhope, St Thomas Church Hall – Saturday 14 September, 3pm to 8pm
This exhibition is part of a larger programme of activities as part of the Land of Lead and Silver project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England. The exhibition is also funded by New Wave, part of Heritage Open Days.
Items in the exhibition have kindly been lent by The Weardale Museum and Nenthead Mines.

Lead by fashion exhibition
2024-09-07 15:00 - 20:00 | Allendale Village Hall, Leadgate, Allendale, NE47 9PR

Adder survey opportunities
2024-09-09 09:00 - 12:00, 2024-09-23 09:00 - 12:00 | Slaley Forest, NE47 0BY
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.
Volunteers must attend a training session before being assigned surveys. Link to online webinar – Upcoming Events –Adders, ecology and survey techiniques
There are three opportunities to volunteer at Slaley Forest (Forestry England): 6 August, 9 and 23 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.

Lead by fashion exhibition
2024-09-09 15:00 - 20:00 | Alston Town Hall, Front Street, Alston, CA9 3RF

Adder survey opportunities
2024-09-11 09:00 - 12:00 | Longburnford Quarry,DL13 4JJ
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.
Volunteers must attend a training session before being assigned surveys. Link to online webinar – Upcoming Events –Adders, ecology and survey techniques
There are three opportunities to volunteer at Longburnford Quarry, (Durham Wildlife Trust).
30 July, 3.30pm to 5.30pm.
5 August and 11 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.

Lead by fashion exhibition
2024-09-14 15:00 - 20:00 | St Thomas’ Church Hall, Stanhope

Guided walk for new parents/carers and children under 2 years old
2024-09-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Bowlees Visitor Centre
Join us for a relaxed guided walk for all new parents/carers and their babies from Bowlees Visitor Centre. The next walk will be on Monday 16 September from 10am to 12 noon.
The walks are aimed at parents/carers with children under the age of two years that can go in a carrier or sling. A small number of slings will be available to borrow (please indicate in your booking if you would need one of these).
The routes will be of a gentle nature. Refreshments will be available in the upstairs gallery at Bowlees after the walk with a chance to chat and meet other new parents and carers whilst taking the opportunity to be outside and active.
The guided walks are free but a donation is welcome. This will go towards continuing the community activities run by the North Pennines National Landscape team.
Please use the Ticketsource link to book.

Volunteer opportunities - plug planting
2024-09-24 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 - tree seed collecting
2024-09-25 10:00 - 12:30 | Teesdale
Join us for a session of collecting hazelnuts to be grown at the Bowlees tree & wildflower nursery, 25 September, 10am to 12.30pm. We will be sorting and sowing seeds in the afternoon as part of the regular nursery drop in session in the afternoon, 1pm to 4pm.
Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and sturdy shoes. The activity is suitable for all ages; children must be supervised by an adult. The exact location will be shared nearer to the date.
Please sign up using the volunteer platform Better Impact
