Exploring Weardale’s Industrial Heritage and Natural Beauty: A Day of Aerial Photography

After a rainy morning and a windy start to the day, I finally had the chance to venture out this afternoon. With my droneand camera packed, I set off for a mix of commissioned work and exploration. Today’s journey took me to the beautiful Weardale area, known for its stunning landscapes, rich industrial history, and hidden gems. It was also a day of paid work, which allowed me to photograph a lovely cottage on the County Durham-Northumberland border. It was great to meet the owners and capture the beauty of their home, thanks to the clear skies and sunshine. If you’re interested in drone photography services, feel free to get in touch!

Here’s a recap of today’s adventures:

Terris Novalis

I started my portfolio work at Terris Novalis, a unique and iconic pair of steel sculptures near Consett. Created by artist Tony Cragg in the late 1990s, the sculptures represent oversized engineering tools—a theodolite and an engineer’s level—symbolizing the region’s industrial history and transition to the modern age. Positioned on the former site of the Consett Steelworks, these structures stand tall and proud. Today, I captured drone photos and camera shots, adding to the drone video I previously recorded. The sculptures were bathed in sunlight, offering the perfect contrast against the rugged landscape of the North Pennines.

Derwent Reservoir

Next, I made my way to Derwent Reservoir, a large and popular body of water located on the border between County Durham and Northumberland. The reservoir, built in the 1960s, spans 1,100 acres and provides both water supply and recreational opportunities, including sailing and fishing. I captured stunning aerial footage and drone photos of the reservoir, its pump house, and the surrounding countryside. The blue skies reflected beautifully on the calm waters, making for some striking images. The area is a firm favourite of mine, not just for its scale, but for the diverse landscape and wildlife that surround it.

Ramshaw Mine Remains near Presser Pump

While driving through Edmundbyers, I spoke with a local farmer who pointed me toward the Ramshaw Mine near Blanchland. This lead mining site dates back to the 18th century and is part of Weardale’s rich mining history. The remains of the mine include a variety of structures that were once part of the larger mining complex. Interestingly, the mine’s chimney was destroyed by a lightning strike many years ago. I managed to capture drone footage, aerial photos, and camera shots, showcasing the remnants of this important industrial site. The history of lead mining in the area is fascinating, and the site still bears the hallmarks of a once-thriving industry.

Abandoned Watergate Farm, Healeyfield

On my way home, I came across Watergate Farm, an abandoned farmhouse near Healeyfield. Built in the late 18th century, the farm was likely established after the 1773 Lanchester Commons Enclosure Act, a key moment in the development of rural County Durham. Though it has now fallen into ruin, much of the original structure remains, including a stone oven and several outbuildings, giving a glimpse into the farm’s past life. I captured drone photos, aerial video, and camera shots of the site. It’s always exciting to find these hidden pieces of history, and I look forward to researching the farm further to uncover more of its story.

Wrapping Up Today was a brilliant mix of commissioned work and new discoveries, all captured through aerial photography and traditional camera shots. From the iconic Terris Novalis sculptures to the industrial remains of Ramshaw Mine, and the serene beauty of Derwent Reservoir, Weardale continues to offer up so much to explore. I’ve added some great content to my growing portfolio, and with rain forecasted for the next few days, I’ll have plenty of material to edit.

If you’re interested in drone photography services for your property or location, feel free to reach out—I’m always up for new projects, and the results are sure to impress!