1st March 2023: Digging the Past: Test-pitting in Ravenstonedale Village RECORDING Martin Railton from Eden Heritage presents the results of a community-based test-pitting project, known as Digging the Past, which was undertaken in 2022 at the village of Ravenstonedale, near Kirkby Stephen. Expand Martin Railton from Eden Heritage presents the results of a community-based test-pitting project, known as Digging the Past, which was undertaken in 2022 at the village of Ravenstonedale, near Kirkby Stephen. The webinar explains the process of digging an archaeological test pit and present the results of the project including some of the medieval and post-medieval finds. Name: Digging the Past: Test-pitting in Ravenstonedale Village Duration: approx 30 minutes plus Q&A Presented by: Martin Railton, Eden Heritage *Digging the Past Celebration Event - Sat 13th May 2023 Ravenstonedaleif you're interested in this webinar, you might also like to join us in person for an event celebrating the Digging the Past project. There will be an afternoon of talks presenting the results of the WDLP Digging the Past project, which investigated the history of the village using 1mx1m archaeological test pits dug by volunteers in 2022; concluding with a short guided walk of the village. More information>
1st February 2023: Churn Stands, Gate Stoops and Date Stones RECORDING Our Cultural Heritage Trainee, Rebekah Booth, gives an online talk on the Small-scale Heritage Features project which she has led with volunteers this year. The surveys ran from March to August 2022 and included nine settlements in the Westmorland Dales. Expand They focussed on those small-scale heritage features such as churn-stands, gate stoops and date stones which help give our villages a sense of place. The webinar will explore how the features recorded in each village vary, as well as the thematic links that can be made between them. Duration: approx 30 minutes plus Q&A Presented by: Rebekah Booth, Westmorland Dales Landscape Partnership
6th April 2022: Rural Life in South Lakeland RECORDING This recording uses materials from the Kendal Oral History Group archive, to explore aspects of rural life in South Lakeland in the early 20th century. Expand This recording uses materials from the Kendal Oral History Group archive, to explore aspects of rural life in South Lakeland in the early 20th century. Name: Rural Life in South Lakeland in the Early Twentieth Century Duration: approx 30 minutes plus Q&A Presented by: Dr Jean Turnbull Banner image: Shearing at Shap Lodge Farm © Image Joseph Hardman Collection.
1st June 2022:The Prehistory of Shap and the Surrounding Area RECORDING Recording of a zoom talk exploring the ancient monuments of Shap, noted throughout history. Many have been destroyed, and the few that remain bestow an enduring mystery to the early history of the area. Expand A talk exploring the ancient monuments of Shap, noted throughout history. Many have been destroyed, and the few that remain bestow an enduring mystery to the early history of the area. Name: The Prehistory of Shap and the Surrounding Area Duration: approx 55 minutes plus Q&A Presented by: Patrick Neaves Banner image: Goggleby Stone by Patrick Neaves. As early as 1607, William Camden wrote about the village in his “there be huge stones in forme of Pyramides, some 9 foote high and fourteene foot thicke, ranged directly as it were in a rowe for a mile in length”.
7th December 2022: A Year in the Life of Halligill RECORDING Asby resident, local historian and active volunteer Keith Cooper gives a fascinating insight into farming life at Halligill, a farmstead in the parish of Asby, back in 1875. It’s based on the diary of John Brunskill who farmed at Halligill for 30 years but ended up living at Dial House in Great Asby. Expand Asby resident, local historian and active volunteer Keith Cooper gives a fascinating insight into farming life at Halligill, a farmstead in the parish of Asby, back in 1875. It’s based on the diary of John Brunskill who farmed at Halligill for 30 years but ended up living at Dial House in Great Asby. Keith’s additional research together with the recollections of the late Harry Saul breathe new life into John Brunskill’s daily round on a small, mixed, upland hill farm. Name: A Year in the Life of Halligill Duration: approx 45 minutes plus Q&A Presented by: Keith Cooper Recordings of previous Heritage Talks can be viewed here>
11th January 2023: Salmon, Trout and Crayfish in the Upper Lune RECORDING As part of our scheme, the Lune Rivers Trust is running a project monitoring the presence of salmon, trout, white-clawed crayfish and other riverine species in the upper Lune and its tributaries. Tim Pitt from the Lune Rivers Trust talks about the project and its findings. Expand A free online talk by Tim Pitt from the Lune Rivers Trust. With our support, Lune Rivers Trust has been carrying surveys to assess fish populations in the rivers and streams in the Tebay/ Orton/ Newbiggin area. Species of particular interest are Atlantic salmon, brown trout and white clawed crayfish. This is the first time that the Trust has undertaken this type of monitoring, and it has been an exciting and interesting learning process for us. In this webinar, Lune Rivers Trust will explain the techniques used and present a summary of the findings of the work. Name: Salmon, Trout and Crayfish in the Upper Lune Duration: approx 30 minutes plus Q&A Presented by: Tim Pitt from the Lune Rivers Trust
2nd March 2022: From Avalon to Pendragon RECORDING Although 300 miles apart, the Somerset Levels and Moors and Westmorland Dales are linked by far more than Arthurian legend. An online talk that explores some of the forces that have shaped our landscape, drawing out surprising connections and marked differences. Expand Although 300 miles apart, the Somerset Levels and Moors and Westmorland Dales are linked by far more than Arthurian legend. Having worked in both areas, David Evans, Scheme Manager, will explore some of the forces that have shaped our landscape, drawing out some surprising connections and some marked differences. Name: From Avalon to Pendragon RECORDING Duration: approx 30 minutes plus Q&A Presented by: David Evans, Westmorland Dales Scheme Manager
2nd February 2022: The Ice Age in the Westmorland Dales: RECORDING An insight into the Westmorland Dales under the ice, and the way it has help shape the landscape we see today including the distinctive Shap pink granite erratics. Expand Presented by Professor Paul Carling (pictured), local resident and retired professor of physical geography. Paul will give us an insight into the Westmorland Dales under the ice, and the way it has help shape the landscape we see today including the distinctive Shap pink granite erratics. Name: The Ice Age in the Westmorland Dales webinar RECORDING Date and Time of broadcast: Wednesday 2nd February 2022 3pm Duration: approx 30 minutes plus Q&A Presented by: Professor Paul Carling, local resident and retired professor of physical geography
12th January 2022: The Stainmore Railway and its Viaducts RECORDING A talk by Mike Thompson, from the Stainmore Railway Company, and Neil Cleeveley, from the Northern Viaduct Trust. Expand Title: The Stainmore Railway and its Viaducts Date and Time of Broadcast: Wednesday 12th January 2022 3pm Duration: approx 30 minutes plus Q&A Presented by: Mike Thompson, from the Stainmore Railway Company, and Neil Cleeveley, from the Northern Viaduct Trust. The Stainmore Railway once ran through the heart of our area linking Kirkby Stephen and Tebay. It is an important part of our heritage. Mike and Neil will give us an insight into the history of the railway, its construction, operation and closure, as well as the work of the two organisations to conserve it for us all to enjoy and appreciate.
1st December: Slowing the Flow RECORDING An overview of the work being undertaken to slow the flow in the catchments of the Lyvennet and Scandal Beck by Lev Dahl, river restoration manager with Eden Rivers Trust. Expand An overview of the work being undertaken to slow the flow in the catchments of the Lyvennet and Scandal Beck by Lev Dahl, river restoration manager with Eden Rivers Trust. Name: Slowing the Flow Duration: approx 30 minutes plus Q&A Presented by: Lev Dahl, river restoration manager with Eden Rivers Trust The Eden Rivers Trust project Changing the Course, Slowing the Flow is undertaking a series of river restoration and natural flood management work in the catchments of the Lyvennet and Scandal Beck which will improve habitats for wildlife and reduce flood risk downstream. This online talk will give you an insight into this work with particular reference to the work being undertaken this autumn at Crake Trees near Crosby Ravensworth. Read more about the 'Slowing the Flow' project being delivered by the Westmorland Dales Landscape Partnership Scheme in partnership with Eden Rivers Trust.
3rd March: Tree planting for the Future RECORDING Watch the recording of this webinar presentation and Q&A session Expand Recording of our webinar broadcast on 3rd March is now available to watch below. Do take a look at our upcoming talks and book your places early if you'd like to join us live at our future events. Tree Planting for the Future: Your planet needs you! The story of a parish tree group. Date: 3rd March Time: 3pm Length: 30 minute presentation plus Q&A Presented by: Drew Woodward, Crosby Ravensworth Parish Tree Group Crosby Ravensworth Parish Tree Group has been busy developing and implementing plans over the last couple of years to ensure that the existing tree cover is conserved and enhanced for future generations. This talk will give you an insight into what they have achieved to date and should be an inspiration and guide for other local groups and parishes.
17th November: Conserving Our Meadows RECORDING An insight into the conservation of the species-rich meadows of the Westmorland Dales. An online talk by Claire Cornish, grassland conservation officer with Cumbria Wildlife Trust. Expand Recording of our webinar broadcast on 17th November 2021 is now available to watch below. An insight into the conservation of the species-rich meadows, verges and other grasslands of the Westmorland Dales. Name: Conserving Our Meadows Duration: approx 30 minutes plus Q&A Presented by: Claire Cornish, grassland conservation officer with Cumbria Wildlife Trust. The Westmorland Dales is home to some of the best species-rich meadows, verges and other grasslands in the whole of Cumbria. Claire Cornish, grassland conservation officer with Cumbria Wildlife Trust, will give us an insight into these grasslands and the work being done to conserve them as part of the rich range of habitats in the area.
3rd November: Westmorland Carriers: the supermarket delivery vans of their day RECORDING The village carrier had various roles, not just carrying goods for their customers from town to town. They had to be punctual, trustworthy and at times brave. Expand Recording of our webinar broadcast on 3rd November 2021 is now available to watch below. The development of turnpike roads in the mid-eighteenth century, funded from tolls paid by their users, meant that wheeled vehicles became far more common in the Westmorland Dales from that date. The village carrier had various roles, not just carrying goods for their customers from town to town. They had to be punctual, trustworthy and at times brave as Dr Karen Griffiths will explain in this talk based on the research she has been doing for the ‘A Way Through’ project. Name: Westmorland Carriers: the supermarket delivery vans of their day Duration: approx 30 minutes plus Q&A Presented by: Dr Karen Griffiths Pictured: 'The Orton Carrier' courtesy of Heather Ballantyne
1st September: Digging the Past RECORDING Watch the recording of this webinar presentation and Q&A session Expand Recording of our webinar broadcast on 4th August 2021 is now available to watch below. Name: Digging the Past Date and Time: Wednesday 1st September 3pm Duration: approx 30 minutes plus Q&A Presented by: Dr Douglas Mitcham, Community Heritage Officer, Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority. In this talk the YDNPA Community Heritage Officer will give an overview of the forthcoming Digging the Past WDLP project. Have you ever wondered about what archaeology could tell you about your village? And just what is an archaeological test pit exactly? The Digging the Past project will get volunteers supported by professional archaeologists to excavate up to thirty small test pits around the village of Ravenstonedale in Cumbria. This will investigate what archaeological finds from the ploughsoil can reveal about the history of Ravenstonedale. It will provide training and opportunities for volunteers to get involved, both in the digging itself as well as in other ways, such as involvement in finds processing.
4th August: Round House to Long House RECORDING Watch the recording of this webinar presentation and Q&A session Expand Recording of our webinar broadcast on 4th August 2021 is now available to watch below. Name: Round House to Long House Date and Time: Wednesday 4th August 3pm Duration: approx 30 minutes plus Q&A Presented by: Jamie Quartermaine, Oxford Archaeology Jamie Quartermaine, Oxford Archaeology Archaeological survey over the last 20 years has revealed a rich and complex pattern of settlement on Little Asby Common that dates back to the Bronze Age, but also includes some significant early medieval remains. The webinar will present the results of past archaeological work and will outline the proposed community excavations of some of the more significant sites that will be undertaken later this year. (Please note that the email address quoted in the 'Round House to Long House' webinar for Hannah Kingsbury was incorrect. Please use [email protected] for any correspondence relating to this topic or webinar) Volunteers Needed *Season One of 'Little Asby Through the Keyhole' project begins on Saturday 4th running until Sunday 19th September. We're looking for volunteers to help us with this fascinating excavation project. The days are FREE to attend but places are limited so please get in touch with which of the 16 excavation days you'd like to attend but be quick, we expect lots of interest. More information and details of how to book are available here>
7th July: Upland Birds of the Westmorland Dales RECORDING Watch the recording of this webinar presentation and Q&A session Expand Recording of our webinar broadcast on 7th July 2021 is now available to watch below. Name: Upland Birds of the Westmorland Dales Duration: approx 30 minutes plus Q&A Presented by: Tarja Wilson, Land Management Adviser, Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority Tarja Wilson, a Land Management Adviser with the YDNPA, will talk about some of the upland birds to be found in the Westmorland Dales. She'll help you to identify them, and will describe their habitats, some of the threats they are under and what is being done to conserve them. Although birds are not the subject of any of our projects they help give our area its distinctive charctaer whether it's the sight of them in the landscape or their calls, particularly at this time of year.
2nd June: Great Asby - A Medieval Villagescape RECORDING Watch the recording of this webinar presentation and Q&A session Expand Recording of our webinar broadcast on 2nd June is now available to watch below. Name: Great Asby - A Medieval Villagescape Duration: approx 30 minutes plus Q&A Presented by: Keith Cooper, local resident, volunteer and keen historian Great Asby, which gives its name to the nearby nature reserve, is one of a number of villages in the Westmorland Dales which still reflect the medieval landscape. Keith Cooper, local resident, volunteer and keen historian, will take us on an extended tour of the village by the innovative use of aerial images and other photos to identify some of its surviving and traceable medieval features.
5th May: Saving Our Dark Skies RECORDING Watch the recording of this webinar presentation and Q&A session Expand Recording of our webinar broadcast on 14th April is now available to watch below. Date: Wednesday 5th May 3pm Duration: approx 30 minutes plus Q&A Presented by: Jack Ellerby, Dark Skies Officer with Friends of the Lake District The Yorkshire Dales National Park, including the Westmorland Dales, is now an International Dark Sky Reserve. Join Jack Ellerby, Dark Skies Officer with Friends of the Lake District, to learn about the value of Dark Skies and the growing issues from the impacts of light pollution on wildlife, environment and people, relevant research, good and bad lighting, and how we can all help to tackle light pollution.
31st March: Clints, Grykes, Kettles and Thunderstones RECORDING Watch the recording of this webinar presentation and Q&A session Expand Recording of our webinar broadcast on 31st March is now available to watch below. Do take a look at our upcoming talks and book your places early if you'd like to join us live at our future events. Clints, Grykes, Kettles and Thunderstones - revealing the geology of the Westmorland Dales Date: 31st March Duration: 30 minutes plus Q&A Presented by: Sylvia Woodhead, Cumbria GeoConservation The landscape and heritage of the Westmorland Dales is founded on its geology, dominated by Carboniferous limestone but subtly different to elsewhere within the Dales. This talk will aim to reveal this geology from its stunning limestone pavements to its scattered glacial erratics, and what we’re doing to help people enjoy and explore the area.
14th April: Gamelands Stone Circle RECORDING Watch the recording of this webinar presentation and Q&A session Expand Recording of our webinar broadcast on 14th April is now available to watch below. Gamelands Stone Circle: Reassessing the past through community archaeology Date: 14th April Duration: 30 minute talk plus Q&A Presented by: Dr Douglas Mitcham, Community Heritage Officer, Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority In this talk the YDNPA Community Heritage Officer will briefly explore the history of Gamelands Stone Circle and give an overview of progress to date with the Gamelands WDLP project. This aims to undertake a small scale community archaeology project at the site, in order to better understand the monuments prehistoric past as well as its more recent history. A significant amount of the planned fieldwork has now been completed and it is hoped we will be able to finish it later during 2021. Work on interpreting the results is ongoing, with this talk focusing on progress and future prospects, with some initial conclusions from the work so far.
17th March: Stone Age Sat Navs and Chap Book Sellers RECORDING Watch the recording of this webinar presentation and Q&A session Expand Recording of our webinar broadcast on 17th March is now available to watch below. Do take a look at our upcoming talks and book your places early if you'd like to join us live at our future events. The 'A Way Through' Project - Stone Age Sat Navs and Chap Book Sellers Date: 17th March Duration: 30 minutes plus Q&A Presented by: Karen Griffiths, Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority People have moved through the Westmorland Dales from prehistoric times to the present day, leaving their mark on the landscape and the area’s heritage as they go. This talk will reveal some of the research that has been undertaken to reveal their stories and their legacy.
17th February: Lifting the Lid: Excavation of an early lime kiln at Pendragon Castle RECORDING Watch the recording of this webinar presentation and Q&A session Expand Recording of our webinar broadcast on February 17th is now available to watch below. Do take a look at our upcoming talks and book your places early if you'd like to join us live at our future events. Lifting the Lid: Excavation of an early lime kiln at Pendragon Castle in its wider context Date: 17th February Presented by: Dr David Johnson This presentation discusses the excavation in 2019 of a clamp (or sow) kiln earthwork within the curtilage of Pendragon Castle, aimed at determining if it was a lime kiln and if so, which period of the castle's construction it related to. The talk also puts this kiln into a broader geographical and technological context within the WDLP area.
3rd February: Revealing the Past: Great Asby Scar Archaeology Survey RECORDING Watch the recording of this webinar presentation and Q&A session Expand Recording of our webinar broadcast on February 3rd is now available to watch below. Do take a look at our upcoming talks and book your places early if you'd like to join us live at our future events. Revealing the Past: Great Asby Scar Archaeology SurveyPresented by: Rebecca Cadbury-Simmons, Northern Archaeology Associates Ltd. Great Asby Scar is a wide expanse of moorland and limestone pavement between Orton and Great Asby which had previously had little archaeological work undertaken on it. Between September 2019 and September 2020 six weeks of archaeological survey was undertaken by volunteers with the help of professionals from Northern Archaeological Associates. During this time almost 700 new sites were discovered and recorded, adding a vast amount to our understanding of the archaeology of this area.