Sir David Attenborough backs £30m Rothbury Estate Appeal

Sir David Attenborough has stepped forward to support The Wildlife Trusts’ Rothbury Appeal at a pivotal moment, with just one year left to raise the remaining funds needed to purchase the 3,800ha Rothbury Estate in Northumberland.

More than £8m has already been secured from donations ranging between £5 and £5m, but a further £22m is required to complete the acquisition.

The estate is the largest area of land to be put up for sale in England in decades and represents the most significant land purchase opportunity for nature recovery in 30 years.

See also: Wildlife trusts acquire Rothbury Estate in landmark purchase

Sir David said: “Time is running out to save the historic Rothbury Estate. This huge, heart-shaped expanse of moorland, rivers, forest and upland in Northumberland needs your help.

“People know and love the Simonside Hills that rise here. They walk the ridges and listen for the calls of the curlew. They watch for red squirrels and admire the views as they scramble among the crags.”

He added: “The Wildlife Trusts have launched an appeal to buy this very special place. They will work with local farmers to care for the area and breathe new life into its precious wildlife habitats.”

Watch the Wildlife Trusts David Attenborough appeal video.

Purchase concerns 

The purchase raised some concern among the farming community last year, with Tenant Farmers Association chief executive George Dunn warning that those on farm business tenancies could be put in a precarious position.

The Wildlife Trusts – in partnership with Northumberland Wildlife Trust – plan to integrate farming, recreation, education and tourism across the estate, while restoring habitats to benefit endangered species such as the merlin, cuckoo, curlew, red squirrel, pine marten, beaver and golden eagle.

Existing public access rights will remain unchanged, ensuring local communities can continue to enjoy its footpaths and bridleways.

A recent £250,000 award from the National Lottery Heritage Fund will support early work to study the estate’s wildlife and heritage, ensuring it can be properly protected and restored if the appeal succeeds.

The Wildlife Trusts chief executive Craig Bennett said: “We’re extremely grateful to Sir David for championing the Rothbury Appeal at such a vital time for nature recovery in the UK.

“This opportunity is extraordinary, but so is the threat.”