Future of iconic Northumberland estate in spotlight
A major Northumberland estate purchase is up for debate. Tony Henderson reports
The sale and future of one of the most spectacular landscapes in Northumberland will be the subject of a festival debate.
The Wildlife Trusts and Northumberland Wildlife Trust (NWT) have purchased part of the Rothbury Estate, which was owned by the Duke of Northumberland's youngest son, Lord Max Percy.
The current purchase includes the Simonside Hills and a mixture of lowland, 1,800 acres of woodland, riverside, and farmland on the western side of the estate.
The trusts’ aim is to develop a vision for the future management of what is described as a “remarkable” landscape, with nature-friendly, regenerative farming and nature recovery at the heart of the estate, while respecting its rural traditions.
The objective will be to show how nature, community, and the rural economy can work together, and to enhance public access.
NWT chief executive Mike Pratt said: "We’re very excited to be part of a once-in-a-generation opportunity for securing a stunning area of countryside where people and nature can thrive side by side."
The Earth Matters - Simonside & Beyond event on Saturday, June 28 at 2pm at Alnwick Playhouse is part of the What A Wonderful World Festival, which runs from June 26-29.
It will pose the question: “Can the purchase of Rothbury Estates by the Wildlife Trusts help lead the search for a balance between nature recovery, farming and local communities?”
The Northumberland-based What A Wonderful World is a climate action group that brings the arts and sciences together to raise local awareness of the climate emergency and biodiversity loss.
Keynote speaker will be conservationist, rewilder and explorer Professor Alastair Driver.
Taking questions will be a panel of Mike Pratt, chief executive of Northumberland Wildlife Trust; James Barber, local farmer and land manager; David George, Reader in Precision Agronomy, specialising in sustainable production, Newcastle University; and Prof Alastair Driver, senior advisor, Global Rewilding Alliance.
Event chairman is Tom Burston, farmer and former deputy director of the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission.
Tickets are £10 / £5 for under 18s.
The Wildlife Trusts and Northumberland Wildlife Trust signed a purchase agreement for the estate in October 2024 and have launched a funding appeal to complete the deal over the next two years. Find out more and donate here.