Educational Visits

The Harehope Quarry Project aims to deliver an education programme to schools and further and higher education establishments.

This programme provides education across the curriculum to encourage the enjoyment, respect, understanding and appreciation of the natural and cultural environment around us. The programme aims to promote the need to protect the environment and to ensure the sustainable use of resources.

Our programmes are based on 4 main themes;

  • livings things and biodiversity
  • rocks, fossils and landscapes
  • history and heritage
  • sustainable lifestyles

We aim to deliver these days using a variety of teaching and learning styles including established environmental education programmes, field skills, scientific and geographical enquiry, issue-based inquiries, arts and media techniques and primary research skills.

We are continually developing new days and adapting existing days. Please contact us and discuss your specific requirements.

The environment of Harehope Quarry and educational opportunities

Harehope Quarry and the surrounding area provide a unique environment for scientific enquiry, geographical investigation, environmental education and education for sustainable development.

Natural habitats at Harehope quarry include ponds, streams, woodland and grassland. The quarry itself is good for the study of rocks, fossils and the special characteristics of limestone. Compare redundant and active limestone quarries, discover the remains of lead mining and learn about upland farming and life in a North Pennines village.

See how the Harehope Quarry Project is restoring and caring for the environment and working towards a more sustainable way of living.

Supporting visits to Harehope Quarry

Our educational visits are run with experienced outdoor educators, who are CRB checked and First Aid trained. We have risk assessed all our activities and copies are available on request.

Charges

Below is a list of our fully costed charges for school and other educational visits that include staff time, use of all the facilities, materials and resources and ongoing project revenue costs.

However, at certain times we may have funding to support visits or particular projects so please contact us and ask. The site is also available for hire should schools want to run activities and events themselves.

Full day visit£175
Half day visit£90
Full day venue hire£90
Half day venue hire£50
Outreach full day£150
Outreach half day£80

Want to know more?

Select an option from below to read about the various learning activities different groups may expect from a visit to Harehope Quarry.

Latest News

The Great Rock Tour
17th Dec 2009
On yet another wet and windy Sunday in November, an intrepid group of children and adults set out to experience the "Great Rock Tour". The group, the North Pennines Rock Detective Club from Harehope Quarry, set out in two minibuses bravely driven by Weardale Community Transport! One minibus went west, whilst the other headed east. The two groups went in search of rocks, which are typical of the North Pennines. A small rock sample was taken from each site within the North Pennines Geopark and will be sent to a Geopark in southern France. The Reserve Geologique de Haute-Provence will be sent the rock samples, which will be incorporated into their "Children of the Earth" monument containing rock samples from around the world.
The Last Wilderness
20th Aug 2009
10th-12th September 2009, 7pm Harehope Quarry, Frosterley The Last Wilderness is a new site-specific creation from Changeling Productions, the theatre company known for creating unique work in unusual places throughout the UK and Europe. The Last Wilderness is the dramatic story of Thomas Allman, a North Pennines hill farmer, faced with the biggest decision of his life. Should he sell his farm to the mysterious stranger who apparently offers him the answer to all his problems? Haunted by the failures and betrayals of the past and his hopes for the future Thomas finds himself journeying to The Last Wilderness, a place where he must face up to who he is and what he is. Performances will take place over three evenings in the beautiful surroundings of Harehope Quarry in Frosterley, an eco-project that explores sustainable living, where the world-famous Frosterley Marble was originally quarried.
The Last Wilderness Arts Workshops
20th Aug 2009
The Last Wilderness is a site specific theatre and music performance at about life in the Durham Dales and the North Pennines, with performances taking place at Harehope Quarry over three evenings from 10th-12th September.

Next Events

Volunteer day
20th Mar 2010
10.00am – 4.00pm. Join our regular volunteering event. Tasks will include the continued work on the eco-classroom and nature reserve management. Refreshments and a light lunch are provided so if you intend to come please let us know so we have an idea of numbers.
North Pennines Rock Detectives club: Feel the force
24th Apr 2010
11.00am – 2.00pm. Join us at Ashgill Force, near Alston. Find out how this waterfall formed and enjoy this lovely part of the North Pennines. Contact for details.
Northern Rocks Event: Slitt Wood family activity walk
23rd May 2010
10.30am – 1.00pm. Enjoy a walk in Slitt Wood at Westgate and learn about the area’s industrial past. A wonderful place and lots of activities to join in with. Meet at the entrance to Slitt Wood. Children £2. Booking essential.