Our North Pennines Stories
The valleys and moorlands of the North Pennines may sometimes look wild and untamed, but everywhere you look, people have left their imprint on the landscape. Collecting and telling the stories of the people who have shaped today's North Pennines enriches our understanding and appreciation of the area.
Cross Fell Commoners
One fantastic local history project now complete, focused on the changing way of life associated with sheep grazing around around Cross Fell. Simon Danby has been collecting photographs, documents and oral history recordings of the commoners who have sheep in the area now and in the past.
The practise of grazing sheep on the fells illustrates the way in which people have shaped the landscape of the North Pennines; it is this kind of human influence that Our North Pennines Stories hopes to celebrate. You can hear about sheep shearing by clicking on the image below, or listen to more of Simon's recordings by clicking on Cross Fell Commoners in the box at the bottom of the page.
ShearingFlash Video/Audio available - please upgrade to the latest Flash Player to view the player.« Download MP3 »
Abi Wylde, Community Interpretation Officer, is looking to collect similar stories about what makes the AONB so special. If you have a story you're keen to tell or you're interested in helping to collect and record these stories Abi is keen to hear from you. Equipment, training and support are available to those who'd like to get involved. Contact Abi on 01388 528801 or email abi@northpenninesaonb.org.uk.
Penning the Pennines
Vane Women writer's co-operative have been holding poetry readings which explore writers who use sense of place as their inspiration. They've followed the sessions up with workshops using the heritage and landscape of the AONB as inspiration, and an anthology of poems by people who live in the North Pennines is being compiled.
