Bats, geology and time all feature in the 2012 programme of events just published by the North Pennines AONB Partnership.

The programme kicks off with Batty about bats on Saturday 28 April from 7.30pm – 9.30pm starting at Newbiggin Village Hall where there’ll be a short talk on the myths and misconceptions about bats and then a magical twilight walk to do some real bat detection

New for this year are Rocky Weekends – two days of walk and talks with a geological theme, plus an evening meal. Rocky Weekends will take place at Allendale in Northumberland (May 26 and 27), Bowlees in Teesdale (September 8 and 9) and Dufton in Cumbria (October 6 and 7).

Many of the firm favourite guided walks will run again, including a foray into the Nent Valley to learn how millions of years of geology have shaped today’s landscape and hay meadow walks in Upper Teesdale and Allendale.

Small charge

Rounding off the year as the nights draw in, the final event, Time Matters, explores the link between the North Pennine peatlands, time and the universe itself – all at St John’s Chapel on Thursday 11 October!

Shane Harris, the AONB Partnership’s sustainable tourism and communications officer said this year’s events programme promised something for everyone: “Whether it’s history or hay meadows, minerals or moorlands, our events help visitors to get the most of the North Pennines AONB.

“It’s the first year that we’re asking participants to pay a small amount – usually just £3 per person unless a meal or transport is included in the cost.

“All profits from the events will support the work of the Friends of the North Pennines, a charitable trust set up last year, so visitors will be exploring the North Pennines, learning something new about the AONB and putting a little back at the same time.”

Book online

This year for the first time participants will be able to book their places online at www.northpennines.org.uk/Events, but people can still contact the AONB Partnership office on 01388 528801 if they prefer.

A full run-down of the season’s events including dates, details and prices appears in the Spring/Summer 2012 issue of North Pennines News (phone 01388 528801 or email  info@northpenninesaonb.org.uk for a copy.

They are also available online  – simply click on Events in the sidebar to see the calendar.