What’s on

Explore what autumn means for us in the cycle of the year at this supportive and creative writing workshop in a beautiful natural setting.

Facilitators Sue Spencer, a writer and educator, and Margaret Bird, a psychodrama psychotherapist, will offer an opportunity to begin to re-connect with our inner wise and wild selves.

What do we need to gather and let go of?
How do we take stock and prepare for winter?
What does the season bring for us as women?

We may explore our wild selves as those instinctive parts of us that were perhaps unexpressed, closed down, silenced, side lined, ignored when we were girls growing up and as women we may still feel disconnected from most of the time.

As well as an encouraging writing space, we offer creative action methods in this session, which give opportunities for experiential learning and can nourish our writing selves. Together we will make group agreements about confidentiality, safety, boundaries and taking care of ourselves.

Please meet at 9.30am for a 10am start. We will use the outside spaces for some of the day, please wear comfortable clothes; bring your own lunch or eat at café shrub.

Standard fee £45, some concessions available, please ask.

Find out more and book.

Explore the natural history and folklore of some of the birds we most closely associate with mid-winter and the festive season, alongside tutor Keith Bowey. The day combines classroom and outdoor bird watching sessions in Blackhill and Consett Park; bring your binoculars, a packed lunch and seasonal outdoor clothes.

This is a free activity.

Booking Essential

Get stuck in to footpath works to improve access to the woodland, including step making and cutting back vegetation.

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 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

Immerse yourself in woodland life, making this a better place for creatures large and small. Work will include woodland management and conservation tasks to benefit wildlife.

Meet on Biverfield Road at 9.45am, 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.

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.

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.

A weekend of wintery themed activities, with a selection of festive crafts, music and food to enjoy.

This year’s Frost Fest will include Japanese origami mobiles, wood printing, snowflake cookie decorating, willow stars and reindeers, winter robins bird walk, café shrub tasting events and more.

Some activities are free, others have a charge and a couple must be pre-booked as spaces are limited.

New activities are being added to this weekend event – further details and timings for Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December will be available soon – put the dates in your diary and watch this space!

This workshop will show you how to make your own willow and paper lantern – which you can then use at the Frost Fest Lantern Parade.

Suitable for both adults and children aged 6 and over. All children must be accompanied by an adult, Younger children will need an adult to work with.

Workshop cost £5 per lantern, including materials. Places are limited and booking is essential.

The Lantern Parade will be at 4pm on Sunday 1 December, when our Christmas Tree lights will be switched on with festive music playing.

After the Parade, you will get to keep and take your lantern home.

Booking Essential

Both walks are free but as places are limited.

Booking Essential

Learn the traditional Japanese skill of paper folding with local artist and children’s author Noriko Matsubara in this intricate and creative workshop.

Noriko will take you through origami folding techniques step-by-step, using beautifully patterned papers to create a Frost Fest, winter themed origami mobile to take home.

You can then use your new found skills to carry on creating beautiful origami sculptures at home – which can make unique and personal gifts.

There are 2 sessions:

12pm – 1.30pm
2pm – 3.30pm

Suitable for both adults and children aged 11 and over.

Cost per workshop £15, including demonstration and all materials.

Booking Essential

A weekend of wintery themed activities, with a selection of festive crafts, music and food to enjoy.

This year’s Frost Fest will include Japanese origami mobiles, wood printing, snowflake cookie decorating, willow stars and reindeers, winter robins bird walk, café shrub tasting events and more.

Some activities are free, others have a charge and a couple must be pre-booked as spaces are limited.

New activities are being added to this weekend event – further details and timings for Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December will be available soon – put the dates in your diary and watch this space!

This workshop will show you how to make your own willow and paper lantern – which you can then use at the Frost Fest Lantern Parade.

Suitable for both adults and children aged 6 and over. All children must be accompanied by an adult, Younger children will need an adult to work with.

Workshop cost £5 per lantern, including materials. Places are limited and booking is essential.

The Lantern Parade will be at 4pm on Sunday 1 December, when our Christmas Tree lights will be switched on with festive music playing.

After the Parade, you will get to keep and take your lantern home.

Booking Essential

Both walks are free but as places are limited.

Booking Essential

Learn how to lead a guided walk, including how to be safe and ensure your walkers have an enjoyable experience. This training is free and will give you the skills to lead guided walks within your own group or community.

Please wear weather appropriate clothing and footwear and bring a drink with you. Keep an eye on our events page for more walking and cycling activities for the whole family.

Booking essential, contact Natalie Whitworth at Groundwork NE & Cumbria on 01325 464270 / email.

Download the flyer.

Get stuck in to footpath works to improve access to the woodland, including step making and cutting back vegetation.

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 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

Immerse yourself in woodland life, making this a better place for creatures large and small. Work will include woodland management and conservation tasks to benefit wildlife.

Meet on Biverfield Road at 9.45am, 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.

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.

There is something wonderful about Christmas decorations and gifts you have made yourself.

Learn the traditional craft of needle felting and make something unique and special for your home or as a gift for someone you love.

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

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

Booking essential

Immerse yourself into country life, as we install a new five bar gate and do some fence repairs on a public footpath.

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.

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

Download the current programme

Immerse yourself in woodland life, making this a better place for creatures large and small. Work will include woodland management and conservation tasks to benefit wildlife.

Meet on Biverfield Road at 9.45am, 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.

Take time out to enjoy some seasonal preparations – learn how to use willow to make your own natural decorations or even some small, special gifts.

This workshop is about becoming familiar with the medium of willow – getting a feel for this versatile material and what you can do with it.

We will learn how to make a variety of shapes – developing skills and techniques of weaving willow.

In the afternoon we will work towards creating a Christmas wreath, adding that natural traditional touch to the festive season – without the use of plastic.

Cost £40 per workshop.

All materials will be included, but please feel free to bring your own natural materials to add to your Christmas Wreath.

Includes tea, coffee and café shrub cookie.

Booking essential.

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.

Improve access to this beautiful woodland. We will be having our Christmas sausage sizzle and festive nibbles as part of this task. Everyone welcome, please let Peter know if you intend to go along.

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 depending on the weather on the day.

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

Immerse yourself in woodland life, making this a better place for creatures large and small. Work will include woodland management and conservation tasks to benefit wildlife.

Meet on Biverfield Road at 9.45am, 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.

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.

Shake of those post-Christmas blues and get set for the new year on this guided bird walk around the Lower Derwent Valley.

Local ornithologist Michael Turner will help us identify the rich bird life that is still around even in the depths of winter.  So forget that last piece of turkey and join our winter bird walk as we look for red kite, buzzard, kingfisher, jay and others.

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.

Get stuck in to woodland management in this beautiful wood. We will be thinning silver birch and pine, coppicing  hazel and transplanting ash.

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, 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.

Get stuck in to woodland management in this beautiful wood. We will be thinning silver birch and pine, coppicing  hazel and transplanting ash.

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, 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.