Sir David Attenborough is supporting a major effort to raise £30 million to buy and protect one of England’s largest natural landscapes — the Rothbury Estate in Northumberland.
The estate, which covers around 15 square miles of hills, moorland, woodland and farmland, is currently at risk of being divided and sold off. The Wildlife Trusts and Northumberland Wildlife Trust hope to purchase the entire area and restore it as a haven for wildlife while also keeping it open for local communities and visitors.
Sir David, 99, released a video message urging the public to help secure the land before time runs out.
“People know and love the Simonside Hills,” he said. “They walk the ridges, listen for the curlew, watch for red squirrels, and admire the ancient rock carvings. This is a place where nature and history live side by side. We have a chance to protect it — but we must act quickly.”
Rothbury Estate has been connected to the Northumberland Percy family for around 700 years and was previously owned by Lord Max Percy. In October 2024, the Wildlife Trusts were given two years to raise the funds needed to buy the land in full.
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So far, around £8 million has been raised through donations ranging from small individual gifts to large contributions of up to £5 million. However, £22 million is still needed — and only one year remains.
Plans to Restore and Rewild
If the purchase succeeds, the Wildlife Trusts plan to:
- Restore peat bogs and woodland
- Support nature-friendly farming
- Improve public access and footpaths
- Work with local farmers and families
- Increase biodiversity and bring back wildlife
Rare species already living on the estate include curlews, red squirrels, lapwings, mountain bumblebees, merlins, Atlantic salmon and endangered eels. Conservationists also hope that pine martens, beavers and even golden eagles could return over time.
The plan includes introducing grazing animals such as hardy cattle and ponies — and possibly even bison — to help naturally shape the landscape.
Mike Pratt, chief executive of Northumberland Wildlife Trust, said the campaign is a rare opportunity:
“This is one of the largest areas of land to come up for sale in England in decades. We have a chance to bring nature back at scale and to create new jobs, more access, and stronger local tourism.”
Craig Bennett, CEO of The Wildlife Trusts, added that the project could mark a turning point in the UK’s battle against biodiversity loss:
“The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. We want to bend that curve in the other direction.”
A public fundraising appeal is now live online, with conservationists urging anyone who cares about nature to help — whether through donations, awareness or community involvement.
As Sir David said: “Please help us make this vision a reality.”
