Blackhill and Consett Park events

May half term activities

Free bike confidence sessions

Date: Wednesday 29 May
Time: 10.00am - 11.00am; 11.15am - 12.15; 1.00pm - 2.00pm; 2.15pm - 3.15pm (Meet at the lodge)
Cost/booking: Pre-booking is requested, Contact Lynne Miller at Groundwork on 01388 662 666 or e-mail lynne.miller@groundwork.org.uk  
Details: Come and learn the fundamentals of cycling through a fun, interactive session in the park. Please bring your own bike and helmet. Sessions are aimed at children aged 12 and under. All children should be accompanied by an adult.

Bugs and Bees

Date: Friday 31 May
Time: 1.00pm - 3.00pm
Details: Fun family activity session organised by the Durham Wildlife Trust.

National Walking Month activities 

Walk Leader training 

Date: Monday 20 May 
Time: 2.00pm - 5.00pm
Cost/booking: Free, however booking is essential by calling 01388 662 666 or emailing lynne.miller@groundwork.org.uk 
Details: Walk Leader training session. Organised by Groundwork North East & Cumbria  as part of their National Walking Month programme.

Summer activities 

Wild About the Park 

Date: Monday's during the summer holidays on 22, 29 July, and 5, 12, 19 August
Time: 10.00am - 12 noon and 1.00pm - 3.00pm
Booking/costing: Places are limited and it is very popular. To book contact us.
Details: This summer we are once again hosting a series of Wild About the Park family activities, which provide opportunities for families with younger children to have fun learning about aspects of the park's natural environment, whilst having a go at making and doing both inside and out, in the beautiful setting of the park and in our community garden. 

Weekly activities

Tuesday

Consett and District Heritage Initiative

Time: 10.00am - 12.00 noon​​​​​​
Cost/booking: Pre-booking is requested, please contact cdhi-genealogy@outlook.com 
Details: Family history research with opportunities to gain practical advice and assistance with research into your family history.

Let's Sing

Time: 1.30pm-3.00pm 
Cost/booking: Free, donations welcome. 
Details: An informal singing programme for adults of all ages and abilities, with the emphasis on wellbeing and socialising as well as opportunities to take part in occasional performances. Refreshments are available from 1.00pm.

(Session not on 27 August) 

Wednesday

Consett and District Heritage Initiative open sessions

Time: 10.00am-4.00pm 
Cost/booking: CDHI members are all volunteers, so please contact us before visiting.
Details: A chance to meet members of the group and find out more about the huge amount of local history material available in the archive. Enquiries and donations or loans of artefacts, old photographs, documents and maps are always welcomed. 

Free cycling sessions

Time: 10.30am
Cost/booking: Free
Details: This is part of our Cycle Durham programme, supported by trained volunteer leaders. Bikes and helmets provided (or bring your own).

Open art and craft studio

Time: 2.00pm-4.00pm
Cost/booking: Free, donations welcome. 
Details: Creative arts activities in a friendly and supportive setting, to promote wellbeing, learn new skills and making friends. Led by qualified and experienced artists.

(Session not on 28 August) 

Saturday

Parkrun

Time: 9.00am
Cost/booking: Free. Register at Blackhill Parkrun.
Details: Organised by volunteers from Blackhill Bounders, this is a free weekly 5k run in the beautiful and invigorating setting of the park. All welcome.

Sunday

Have a Go at Bowls sessions

Time: 1.30pm (summer)
Details: Try your hand at bowls with the friendly assistance of the Consett Park Bowling Club members. Clubhouse bar and refreshments available. All ages and abilities welcomed. For information contact storeydc@aol.com.

Carpet Bowls sessions

Time: 2.00pm (winter)
Details:In the clubhouse, organised by Consett Park Bowling Club. All ages and abilities welcomed. For information contact storeydc@aol.com.

Other activities

Community Gardening Programme 

Date: starts on Monday 18 March 
Time: 1.00pm-3.00pm
Cost/booking: Free, donations welcome. Contact usto register
Details: Meeting in The Lodge. Registration is required as the gardening group is part of the Ways To Wellbeing programme. The community garden is located behind The Lodge and provides a space where individuals and groups can learn the basics of vegetable growing and other practical gardening skills, in a supportive environment. 

Wild About The Park

A programme of themed family activities is available during school holidays, where families can explore and learn about the park, enjoy the outdoors and take part in various creative and making activities. 

Schools

We welcome schools, nurseries and other young people's groups to visit. 

There is access to the classroom and toilets in The Lodge, provision of a simple park trail and quiz sheet which is ideal for younger children and we can also assist with the delivery of specific topics. Please contact us beforehand, to discuss your requirements.

Friends of Blackhill and Consett Park

The Friends of the Park play a vital role in promoting community use of the park, raising funds to carry out projects which improve the park for people and nature, and by organising and assisting with events. Anyone wishing to get involved please contact us or leave your details with a member of staff.