Boost to Rothbury Estate campaign but still work to do
Half way point reached
Celebrations are in order as the half way stage has been reached in the campaign to secure the 3,800-hectare Rothbury Estate in Northumberland for nature - but urgency remains.
A £5 million award from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) takes the total raised so far to £16 million, making the £30 million cost of purchase seem more achievable.
The award was welcomed as “a major boost” by The Wildlife Trusts and Northumberland Wildlife Trust which are leading on what they hope will become one of the most ambitious nature recovery projects in the country.
Following the successful purchase of the estate in 2024, including the Simonside Hills, much loved by walkers, the fundraising has gone well, they say.
The appeal has been supported by individuals and organisations not just in the North East but across the country and overseas, with Sir David Attenborough and Northumbrian polar explorer Conrad Dickinson backing it.
But there is urgent fundraising still to be done.
To unlock the NLHF grant, the rest of the money must be raised by the end of September.
Nevertheless, Conrad Dickinson, president of Northumberland Wildlife Trust (NWT), expressed delight at the “fantastic news”.
“The £5 million takes us over the halfway point in our fundraising with just over six months left to go,” he said.
“It’s a moment to celebrate and give thanks for all the support this appeal has received.
“Together I know we can reach the £30m target to purchase this beautiful estate, a place so very close to my heart.”
NWT chief executive Mike Pratt added: “While there is still a significant area of land to secure, we’re already working closely with tenant farmers on parts of the estate.
“Together we’re establishing nature-friendly farming approaches that support wildlife while keeping farms productive.
“It gives us a glimpse of what’s possible.
“With the opportunity to secure the rest of the estate, which we’re that bit closer to realising today, we can scale up this work and create a landscape where farming and nature truly thrive together.”
Liz Bonnin, president of The Wildlife Trusts, called the grant “a major step towards securing the beautiful and historic Rothbury Estate for nature and people, long into the future”.
Eilish McGuinness, NLHF chief executive, expressed delight at being able to award £5 million to progress “ambitious plans for this amazing landscape”, thanks to National Lottery players.
“By working with local communities to develop new approaches to land management, this transformational project has the potential to deliver nature recovery at a landscape scale in a way that will help reconnect people to the unique natural and cultural heritage of Rothbury, and ensure it is safeguarded for future generations, supporting our vision for heritage to be valued, cared for, and sustained for everyone, now and in the future,” she said.
Those leading the campaign believe purchase of the estate offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity.
The Wildlife Trusts see a future where “nature-friendly farming helps wildlife to thrive while remaining productive and where improved access and pathways allow more people to explore and enjoy the landscape.
“Restoration of habitats at scale, supporting a wide variety of wildlife from curlew to red squirrel, is another primary ambition alongside sharing the site’s archaeology and heritage, using knowledge of the past to shape a sustainable future.”