Improve life for solitary bees, other insects and wild fowers by clearing invasive shrubs and trees from the sides of the Spetchells, the unique chalk hills in Tyne Riverside Country Park.

Meet in the Tyne Riverside Country Park car park opposite Prudhoe train station at 10.00 am. Please wear stout footwear and suitable clothes for the weather on the day and bring a packed lunch and a drink.  All tools and gloves will be provided and instruction for the task; hot drinks will also be on offer throughout the day.

This activity is organised by Friends of Prudhoe Woods. Before attending please contact Peter Binns of Friends of Prudhoe Woods: 07922 105403 / email.

Download the current programme

Discover the site of an 1870s coal mine, with extensive railway and coal working remains as you get involved in an archaeological investigation into the workings. There are remarkable remains of a complex water supply and power features, mine entrances and a culvert structure which this dig seeks to identify and understand the context of.

The workings were the creation of the Mickley Coal Company which had strong associations with the creation of the Catholic church in Prudhoe. The site later became part of West Wylam Colliery, though it was abandoned long before the colliery closed in 1961.

Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear and dress for the weather (sun hat and cream or waterproofs). Bring a packed lunch and a drink if staying all day. All tools, equipment and instruction will be provided.

Booking essential

Was Crowley’s Mill No. 1 the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution? Find out all about Crowley’s Ironworks and then decide for yourself at this informative session.

Browse the exhibition about the heritage of Derwenthaugh Park in the brand new Land of Oak & Iron Heritage Centre, before buying a drink in cafe shrub. Our knowledgable volunteers will then give a short presentation about the history of the Ironworks. The talk will be followed by a walk through the Park to see the low dam and spillway which have recently been uncovered. These are the only visible remains of what was once the largest ironworks in Europe, employing over 1,500 men. Hear all about the remarkable social structure Ambrose Crowley imposed on the workers, with it’s own ‘laws’, courts, schools, welfare and pensions system.

The Heritage Centre is fully accessible. The walk through Derwenthaugh Park is on surfaced paths.

Booking essential

Discover the site of an 1870s coal mine, with extensive railway and coal working remains as you get involved in an archaeological investigation into the workings. There are remarkable remains of a complex water supply and power features, mine entrances and a culvert structure which this dig seeks to identify and understand the context of.

The workings were the creation of the Mickley Coal Company which had strong associations with the creation of the Catholic church in Prudhoe. The site later became part of West Wylam Colliery, though it was abandoned long before the colliery closed in 1961.

Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear and dress for the weather (sun hat and cream or waterproofs). Bring a packed lunch and a drink if staying all day. All tools, equipment and instruction will be provided.

Booking essential

Was Crowley’s Mill No. 1 the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution? Find out all about Crowley’s Ironworks and then decide for yourself at this informative session.

Browse the exhibition about the heritage of Derwenthaugh Park in the brand new Land of Oak & Iron Heritage Centre, before buying a drink in cafe shrub. Our knowledgable volunteers will then give a short presentation about the history of the Ironworks. The talk will be followed by a walk through the Park to see the low dam and spillway which have recently been uncovered. These are the only visible remains of what was once the largest ironworks in Europe, employing over 1,500 men. Hear all about the remarkable social structure Ambrose Crowley imposed on the workers, with it’s own ‘laws’, courts, schools, welfare and pensions system.

The Heritage Centre is fully accessible. The walk through Derwenthaugh Park is on surfaced paths.

Booking essential

Discover the site of an 1870s coal mine, with extensive railway and coal working remains as you get involved in an archaeological investigation into the workings. There are remarkable remains of a complex water supply and power features, mine entrances and a culvert structure which this dig seeks to identify and understand the context of.

The workings were the creation of the Mickley Coal Company which had strong associations with the creation of the Catholic church in Prudhoe. The site later became part of West Wylam Colliery, though it was abandoned long before the colliery closed in 1961.

Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear and dress for the weather (sun hat and cream or waterproofs). Bring a packed lunch and a drink if staying all day. All tools, equipment and instruction will be provided.

Booking essential

Learn about the history of the coke ovens, which were the last to operate in Britain up until 1958 and enjoy a guided walk towards the tunnel at Victoria Garesfield, spotting other archaeological remains along the way.

Join Penny Middleton, Northern Archaeological Associates built heritage and conservation specialist, as she leads a guided walk around the coke ovens and surrounding area. Penny was involved in preparing the first detailed survey of the coke ovens, in preparation for the Land of Oak & Iron restoration project which is now underway. Find out the history of this nationally significant site. Discover how the coking battery worked when all 193 ovens were in operation and hear about the state of the art ‘structure through motion’ technology which was used to record the monument.

After the tour of the ovens, walk along the route of the former mineral line towards Victoria Garesfield Colliery, learning about other archaeological sites, before returning to the start.

The site itself includes some steps to access the ovens, however there is a more accessible path leading through the woodland to a viewpoint overlooking the ovens. The walk along to Victoria Garesfield is on a narrow, unsurfaced path which isn’t suitable for wheelchairs; please wear suitable footwear.

Booking essential

Discover the site of an 1870s coal mine, with extensive railway and coal working remains as you get involved in an archaeological investigation into the workings. There are remarkable remains of a complex water supply and power features, mine entrances and a culvert structure which this dig seeks to identify and understand the context of.

The workings were the creation of the Mickley Coal Company which had strong associations with the creation of the Catholic church in Prudhoe. The site later became part of West Wylam Colliery, though it was abandoned long before the colliery closed in 1961.

Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear and dress for the weather (sun hat and cream or waterproofs). Bring a packed lunch and a drink if staying all day. All tools, equipment and instruction will be provided.

Booking essential

A rare opportunity to see inside this 18th century furnace which is a Grade 1 Listed Building and is one of the few remaining examples of this type of furnace in the country. Learn how wrought iron was turned into steel through the cementation process; this is the last remaining piece of evidence of cementation steel making in the north east.

Hear how the furnace operated and what it was like to work there several hundred years ago, from our knowledgable local volunteers who are passionate about it’s history. Visit the remains of the workers cottages and discover what life was like in this idyllic woodland setting.

The site is uneven, with access from the car park down a stony track.

Booking essential

Photos and memories of the pubs, clubs, cinemas and other venues that have come and gone in the village. Reminisce and share memories of your best nights out and maybe think about what the future holds for Chopwell too. PhD researcher Philippa will be waiting to share your memories and those of other local people at this free exhibition

Follow the project’s Facebook page to see what people have been talking about.

Make a day of it and walk into Chopwell Wood afterwards for our Family Hands on Heritage event.

Discover heritage as we celebrate a centenary of forestry in probably the most popular wood in Land of Oak & Iron. Demonstrations and activities for the whole family including green woodworking, willow weaving, charcoal making, wool spinning, clay tile and pot making and flint napping. See vintage forestry vehicles, heavy horse logging and find out how to enjoy our fantastic natural heritage in the modern day.

Family friendly event with toilets and free parking, dogs welcome on leads. Bring a picnic or food and drinks will be available to buy.

Chopwell Woodland Park has links as far back as 650AD, with the name Chopwell thought to be derived from Ceoppa, the name of a Saxon Chieftain who lived in the area. The woodland has had many different forms throughout it’s life from wild forest, to part of the Manor of Chopwell and then to what we see today. The present size of Chopwell Wood is similar to that of Roman times around 2000 years ago. Join us on a gentle walk to explore the vast history of this woodland, at the heart of Land of Oak & Iron.

The walk will use forest paths and tracks and include some steep slopes. Please wear stout footwear and outdoor clothing suitable. Unfortunately this walk is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

Booking essential

Take an active role in diversifying the woodland habitat. We will be stacking and securing brash piles and thinning small trees on the woodland edge, improving the habitat value of this privately owned woodland.

All tools, equipment and gloves will be provided as well as tea and coffee; please wear stout footwear and suitable clothing for outdoors and bring a packed lunch and a drink. You may wish to bring waterproofs or sun cream and a hat, depending on the weather.

Come along and learn new skills, make friends and have fun whilst carrying out a programme of practical woodland and access tasks.

Please meet in the Derwentcote Steel Furnace car park on the south side of the A694. To find the volunteers on the day, please call Peter Downes on 07484 093411.

Download the current programme

Join Fiona for a day of exploratory sketching and drawing.  This workshop will be drawing based with an emphasis on exploring drawing techniques and mark making.

Meeting at the Heritage Centre in Winlaton Mill, we will travel (car share) the short distance to English Heritage site Derwentcote Steel Furnace which will be opened especially for this workshop.  Here we can sketch and take photographs for reference which will then be developed into drawings and personal works back at the Heritage Centre.

Please note there is a short walk from Derwentcote Steel Furnace car park to this historic building.

Equipment needed:

A4 or A3 size Sketchbook and art materials (pencil and charcoal essential, but feel free to bring anything you like to use).  A lightweight stool or foldable chair. Digital camera / tablet / smart phone for taking photographs.

Fiona is a pastel artist and member of the Pastel Guild of Europe as well as very experienced and qualified tutor. Based in Shotley Bridge, Fiona’s work is represented by galleries in both Northumberland and the Scottish Borders and regularly runs workshops in both drawing and pastel.

www.fionacarvell.com

Cost: £45

Booking essential

Discover a beautiful private woodland and help with thinning works in preparation for hazel to be planted in the autumn, which will grow to become a hazel coppice.

Please meet outside The Fox and Hounds pub at Coalburns, from where Peter will lead the way into the woodland.

All tools, equipment and gloves will be provided as well as tea and coffee; please wear stout footwear and suitable clothing for outdoors and bring a packed lunch and a drink. You may wish to bring waterproofs or sun hat and cream, depending on the weather.

Come along and learn new skills, make friends and have fun whilst carrying out a programme of practical woodland and access tasks.

To find the volunteers on the day, please call Peter on 07484 093411.

Download the current programme.

Try the traditional craft of needle felting.

With a felting needle, a foam block and a little patience learn how to turn a bundle of wool fibres into a little hedgehog or an owl brooch.

All materials are provided. It’s an easy craft to learn, but due to the sharp needles this workshop is not suitable for children

Cost: £20 including all materials, tea, coffee and homemade café shrub cookies.

Booking essential

There’s a whole load of wild food all around us, it’s just a matter of knowing what is edible, what is poisonous and what to do with it. We’ll give you an introduction to the wild food you can forage in the autumn, including roots, fruits, nuts and wild mushrooms. We’ll look at safe identification, discuss preparation and do some tasting. Suitable for ages 10 and over, outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear essential.

Booking essential, click here or contact the organiser by phone.

Discover a beautiful private woodland and help with thinning works in preparation for hazel to be planted in the autumn, which will grow to become a hazel coppice.

Please meet outside The Fox and Hounds pub at Coalburns, from where Peter will lead the way into the woodland.

All tools, equipment and gloves will be provided as well as tea and coffee; please wear stout footwear and suitable clothing for outdoors and bring a packed lunch and a drink. You may wish to bring waterproofs or sun hat and cream, depending on the weather.

Come along and learn new skills, make friends and have fun whilst carrying out a programme of practical woodland and access tasks.

To find the volunteers on the day, please call Peter on 07484 093411.

Download the current programme.

Discover a beautiful private woodland and help with thinning works in preparation for hazel to be planted in the autumn, which will grow to become a hazel coppice.

Please meet outside The Fox and Hounds pub at Coalburns, from where Peter will lead the way into the woodland.

All tools, equipment and gloves will be provided as well as tea and coffee; please wear stout footwear and suitable clothing for outdoors and bring a packed lunch and a drink. You may wish to bring waterproofs or sun hat and cream, depending on the weather.

Come along and learn new skills, make friends and have fun whilst carrying out a programme of practical woodland and access tasks.

To find the volunteers on the day, please call Peter on 07484 093411.

Download the current programme.

Learn about heritage basket tools, then prepare for the autumn harvest by trying your hand at making a traditional Frame or Foraging Basket (using modern tools).

You will learn how to make a traditional willow basket using natural materials, under the guidance of experienced basket makers Liz Beech and Sheila Walton, both members of the Northumbria Basketry Group.

Cost £55 including all materials, tea, coffee and home-made café shrub cookies.

Booking essential.

Autumn is a great time to discover the delights of birdwatching. Although summer visitors have left us, resident birds are joined by winter migrants which are starting to arrive  including song thrush, redwing and mistle thrush.

Local ornithologist Michael Turner will lead a guided walk and help identify the different species by sight and sound.

The lower Derwent Valley is rich in bird life at any time of the year. This walk will  highlight the variety of birds that can be seen and heard throughout the different habitats.

The walk will be on regular pathways with some slight gradients.

Please bring binoculars if you have them and dress appropriately with stout footwear,  waterproofs may be necessary depending on the weather.

Tickets £6 per person, under 5’s are free for this activity; all children must be accompanied by an adult.

No dogs please.

Booking essential.

Autumn is a great time to discover the delights of birdwatching. Although summer visitors have left us, resident birds are joined by winter migrants which are starting to arrive  including song thrush, redwing and mistle thrush.

Local ornithologist Michael Turner will lead a guided walk and help identify the different species by sight and sound.

The lower Derwent Valley is rich in bird life at any time of the year. This walk will  highlight the variety of birds that can be seen and heard throughout the different habitats.

The walk will be on regular pathways with some slight gradients.

Please bring binoculars if you have them and dress appropriately with stout footwear,  waterproofs may be necessary depending on the weather.

Tickets £6 per person, under 5’s are free for this activity; all children must be accompanied by an adult.

No dogs please.

Booking essential.

Learn how to sew a tiny felt bear (in a choice of colours) with moving arms and legs – a lovely hand made gift, perfect for Christmas. All you need are nimble fingers, patience and the most basic of sewing skills – we’ll provide everything else.

Cost: £20 including all materials, tea, coffee and homemade café shrub cookies.

Due to their diminutive size these bears are not recommended for children under the age of 3. This workshop is not suitable for children

Booking essential

Wrap up warm for this winter guided bird walk in the lower Derwent Valley.

As well as helping you with identification skills, local ornithologist Michael Turner will uncover the life story and fascinating facts behind Britain’s favourite bird and Christmas icon, the Robin…but be warned, things aren’t always as they seem.

The walk will be on regular pathways with some slight gradients.

Please bring binoculars if you have them and dress appropriately with stout footwear, waterproofs may be necessary depending on the weather.

No dogs please.

Tickets cost £6

Booking essential.