Young archaeologists’ club in the North Pennines

An exciting opportunity for young people to uncover the heritage of the North Pennines is being launched, with a new Young Archaeologists’ Club. Based in Alston, Cumbria, the North Pennines Young Archaeologists’ Club is open to everyone aged 8–16 years and will usually meet on the second Saturday of each month.

The club has been formed by the North Pennines National Landscape team as part of the Land of Lead and Silver project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players, and Historic England. The project offers opportunities for people to get involved and discover unknown stories and features from the lead and silver mining history of the North Pennines National Landscape and UNESCO Global Geopark.

Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “The North Pennines National Landscape is home to some of the most fascinating natural heritage in the UK. We’re delighted to be supporting the creation of their new Young Archaeologists’ Club which gives our future generations the opportunity to discover some of the hidden stories of this beautiful landscape.”

The Young Archaeologists’ Club (YAC) is the only club for young people interested in archaeology. The network of local clubs across the UK 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 clubs also run lots of craft-based activities based on archaeological periods and technology, with members trying out many traditional crafts. 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.

Dr Jo Kirton, Delivery and Engagement Manager at the Council for British Archaeology, said: “The Young Archaeologists’ Club and parent organisation, Council for British Archaeology, are incredibly excited to welcome North Pennines YAC to our wider network. The YAC welcomes children from across the UK, providing them with hands-on educational experiences based on archaeological practice. The North Pennines are steeped in history from the Mesolithic to the recent industrial past. We can’t wait to see what our newest group gets up to and look forward to supporting their volunteers and members on their YAC journey.“

Young Archaeologist Club members have access to the YAC Pass, which gives free or discounted entry to hundreds of heritage sites across the UK, including those run by English Heritage, Historic Environment Scotland and Cadw.

Tom Gledhill, Heritage at Risk Projects Officer at Historic England, said: “The archaeology of the North Pennines is fascinating and under-researched, with plenty for a whole new generation of local archaeologists to get their teeth into. It is fantastic that a new Young Archaeologists’ Club will be starting in Alston through the Land of Lead and Silver project Historic England is supporting. These young archaeologists will unearth stories connecting their communities to the past, while developing skills that will serve them for life.”

Each club is run by a team of adults, either volunteers or paid staff, who come from a range of backgrounds; some are professional archaeologists, others work in museums or schools. All have an interest in archaeology and volunteer with YAC to further their own knowledge and experience.

For more information or if you’d like to get involved with North Pennines YAC, visit: North Pennines Young Archaeologists’ Club or email Rebecca.

The Land of Lead and Silver project is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players, and Historic England.

Notes for editors

1. Contact the North Pennines National Landscape communications team for further information and images –  communications@northpennines.org.uk

2. About The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. That’s why as the largest funder for the UK’s heritage we are dedicated to supporting projects that connect people and communities to heritage, as set out in our strategic plan, Heritage 2033. Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past.

Over the next 10 years, we aim to invest £3.6billion raised for good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people, places and communities.
heritagefund.org.uk

Follow @HeritageFundUK on Twitter/X, Facebook and Instagram and use #NationalLottery #HeritageFund

3. About Historic England
We are Historic England, the public body that protects and brings life to the heritage that matters to us all, so it lives on and is loved for longer. From the extraordinary to the everyday, our historic places and spaces matter. From community centres to cathedrals, homes to high streets, markets to mills – there are special places we all choose to hold onto, the legacy we want to pass on and the stories we continue to tell. That’s why we work together with people across England to discover, protect and bring new life to our shared historic environment, providing advice, knowledge, support and services. Follow us on social media @HistoricEngland.