North Pennines NatureFest 2025

4 April 2025

The programme has been launched for the second North Pennines NatureFest – a celebration of the outstanding nature, wildlife, plants, and rocks found in the North Pennines National Landscape and UNESCO Global Geopark.

North Pennines NatureFest is running from Saturday 24 May to Sunday 8 June 2025, during May half term, and has many events spread across the two weeks.

There is a packed programme of fun and informative events, with activities for more experienced nature enthusiasts alongside events aimed at children and families. Events include a Nature Camp, themed walks,  art-based activities, talks, volunteer days, and hands-on activities for children.

On the first Saturday of NatureFest get ready for a fun and creative day of gelatine plate printing with artist Carole McCourt. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to create beautiful, nature-inspired prints using botanicals collected from the stunning North Pennines. Whether you’re an experienced artist or a complete beginner, this workshop is designed for everyone to enjoy the magic of printing from real plants.

We’ll explore the rich diversity of local flora, from delicate wildflowers to sturdy grasses and ferns, as we transform them into unique works of art. Using gelatine plates—a soft, flexible printing surface—you’ll create bold, colourful prints that capture the intricate details and textures of each plant. Plus, you’ll get to experiment with layering, colour, and composition to make your own personal masterpieces.

At the National Landscape’s Bowlees Visitor Centre in Upper Teesdale, there are volunteer days at the tree nursery, a family friendly workshop finding out what is fabulous about Geoparks around the world, get hands on with activities that show how landscapes form from ice and water to volcanoes.

Explore the delicate balance between geology and botany on a walk in Westgate, enjoy a creative workshop using art materials to capture the beauty of the landscape and its plants with local artist Carole McCourt.

Learn how to create nature-inspired prints using botanicals collected from the North Pennines in these hands-on family friendly events in Allendale and Alston.

Join local botanist Lizzie Maddison for a walk on Widdybank Fell, Teesdale to see the rare arctic-alpine flowers and plants unique to the area.

In the middle weekend (Saturday 31 May to Sunday 1 June) we are delighted to be running a ‘Nature camp’ at Low Way Farm in Holwick, Teesdale. This event is aimed at families with children – although adults are also welcome. There is a choice of camping or staying in the bunkhouse. After a welcome on the Saturday there will be various nature-based activities – including river dipping, arts and crafts, wildlife spotting, walks, a nature cinema and communal campfire.

In the second week visit the High Helbeck estate, near Brough to discover how recent work has helped nature recover and thrive. The five km walk will take in waterfalls, wading birds and black grouse in an ever-changing mosaic of habitats being managed sustainably.

On the last Sunday there’s an opportunity for aspiring wildlife photographers to discover responsible approaches with photographer and ecologist Craig Strawbridge – at Harehope Quarry in Weardale. The workshop will include an indoor discussion of approach and ethics, equipment and techniques, and a walk around the restored quarry to explore the topics covered.

Chris Woodley-Stewart, Director of the North Pennines National Landscape, said: “We’re really pleased to be running North Pennines NatureFest again. The two-week festival is all about shining a light on how special the nature and landscape is in the North Pennines. We have some charismatic wildlife here, in some stunning locations, and we hope people come along and enjoy it in the company of some expert guides.”

Discover the full programme at www.NorthPenninesNatureFest.org.uk

ENDS

Notes for editors

For further information, contact the North Pennines National Landscape communications team – communications@northpennines.org.uk / 01388 528801

The North Pennines National Landscape is one of England’s most special places – a peaceful, unspoilt landscape with a rich history and vibrant natural beauty. It was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1988. The purpose of this nationally recognised designation is the conservation and enhancement of the natural beauty of the area.

At almost 2,000 sq. kilometres the North Pennines is the second largest of the 46 National Landscapes (in England, Wales and Northern Ireland) and is one of the most peaceful and unspoilt places in England. Visit https://www.national-landscapes.org.uk/ for information about the National Landscapes family.

The North Pennines lies between the National Parks of the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, and Northumberland with the urban centres of County Durham away to the east. Parts of the National Landscape are within the boundaries of four local authorities; Cumberland Council, Durham County Council, Northumberland County Council, and Westmorland & Furness Council.

The North Pennines National Landscape Partnership is an alliance of public, statutory and voluntary sector bodies with an interest in the future of the North Pennines. The work of the partnership is carried out by the National Landscape team which takes action to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area, to raise awareness of its special qualities and to improve the quality of life for local people.

UNESCO Global Geopark – As well as being a National Landscape, the North Pennines is a UNESCO Global Geopark. This puts the area’s Geopark status in the same UNESCO family as World Heritage Sites and Biosphere Reserves. UNESCO Global Geoparks are places with outstanding geology where special effort is made to make the most of geological heritage to support community and economy. Locally this includes producing geo-trails, developing projects with school and community groups, producing displays for visitor attractions and holding geology festivals and events.