Sir David Attenborough helps campaign to save historic Northumberland estate

Donations have been building steadily throughout 2025 – and in the weeks since Sir David Attenborough lent his support to The Wildlife Trusts’ purchase of the Rothbury Estate, support has soared with well over £1m extra donations added.

The rolling moorlands, woodlands and wide-open starry skies of the estate, near the market town of Rothbury, make it a place of rare beauty.

At 9,500 acres, the Rothbury Estate is the size of Athens – or central London – and was the largest area of land to be put on sale in England for 30 years.

But if it is sold off multiple buyers, it risks being broken apart and managed purely for profit with centuries of history, precious wildlife and local connections lost.

The Wildlife Trust is forging ahead with its campaign to raise £30m to buy the estate and, with less than 12 months to go to raise the total amount, the trust, in partnership with Northumberland Wildlife Trust, are looking forward to seeing what new and innovative ways supporters will find to fundraise in the New Year.

To date, a number of fun, fundraising activities have taken place, many in the local community of Rothbury, including family crafting days and Rothbury WI fundraising events.

Mike Pratt, chief executive of The Northumberland Wildlife Trusts, said: “We’re thrilled to be passing the £10m mark and thank absolutely everyone who has contributed so far.

“It’s wonderful to be at the heart of so much local support and also to know that there are so many champions for our vision all over the world.

“It’s lovely to take this moment to reflect on the last year and celebrate this milestone, our focus is now on keeping up the fundraising drive and energy as we look towards the £20m mark in the appeal. This is a once in a generation opportunity, we are working hard with the local community to grasp it.”

Liz Bonnin, President of The Wildlife Trusts, said:“This is a really exciting and significant milestone in our journey to protect the wild and beautiful Rothbury Estate for generations to come.

“It shows just how much it has captured the hearts of people, and how many of us care about its future. Let’s keep the momentum going! We now have a little under a year to reach the £30m target, and I know that together, we can succeed.”

The campaign is aimed at protecting and revitalise habitats for wildlife such as curlew, pine marten, beaver and golden eagle.

This will have real significance for a greater area beyond its boundaries because the estate lies at the heart of a 40-mile nature corridor, stretching from the north east coast of England to the central Scottish border.

You can support the appeal at www.wildlifetrusts.org/appeals/rothbury-estate-nature-and-nation