Volunteers help us to research, care for, and share the history of Ballast Hills Burial Ground.
You can support a one-off event, complete a short research task, help on site, or become involved in the longer-term development of the project. You do not need previous experience, and some opportunities can be completed from home.
Help needed now!
Heritage Open Days 2026
We are looking for volunteers to help deliver a full day of free activities on Saturday, 19 September 2026, at Ballast Hills Burial Ground and Brinkburn St Brewery.
Our Ballast Hills offer will include family activities, displays, brewery tours, opportunities to explore the burial ground, a performance of Beneath This Ground, and an evening Twilight at Ballast Hills session.
Volunteers can help by:
- welcoming visitors and explaining the programme;
- supporting activities and displays;
- acting as site stewards;
- helping visitors use the Explorer’s Guide;
- assisting with the performance and twilight session;
- taking photographs and gathering feedback; or
- helping to prepare materials before the event.
You can volunteer for part of the day or support a particular activity. Briefing and guidance will be provided.
Ballast Hills Explorer’s Guide
We are redeveloping the Ballast Hills Explorer’s Guide and would welcome volunteers who can test the guide, comment on its content and activities, and help us improve its clarity, accessibility, and appeal to different age groups.
You do not need specialist knowledge. Feedback from people who are new to the burial ground will be particularly useful.
Other ways to help
You can also support the project through:
- Historical research: investigate people, families, occupations, or themes connected with the burial ground.
- Records and data: help to transcribe, check, and organise burial records, gravestone inscriptions, photographs, and research information.
- Site care: join Green Days and other activities that help care for the burial ground.
- Events and engagement: welcome visitors, support activities, gather feedback, or help prepare resources.
- Communications: contribute to blog posts, newsletters, photography, social media, or volunteer updates.
- Friends of Ballast Hills Burial Ground: support the long-term care and future of the site.
Why volunteer?
Volunteering offers an opportunity to:
- contribute to the understanding and care of an important Newcastle heritage site;
- develop research, communication, heritage, or event skills;
- meet other people interested in local history; and
- help make the stories of Ballast Hills accessible to a wider public.
You can decide how much time you wish to contribute. Opportunities range from short, one-off tasks to longer-term involvement.
Get involved
Please complete our Expression of Interest Form or email ballast.hills@newcastle.ac.uk.
Tell us which activities interest you and how much time you may be able to offer. Please mention Heritage Open Days 2026 or the Explorer’s Guide if you are interested in either current opportunity.
Volunteers are asked to read our Volunteer Policy and sign our Volunteer Agreement, which can be returned by email or brought to a volunteer event. Once registered, we will match your interests with suuitable opportunities.
Every contribution helps us to uncover, care for, and share the stories of Ballast Hills Burial Ground.