The Wildlife Trusts has purchased part of a 3,800-hectare estate in Northumberland, and begun a £30m fundraising drive to secure the whole site over the next two years.
In partnership with Northumberland Wildlife Trust, the charities have agreed a two-phase purchase agreement for the Rothbury Estate, which they described as the largest piece of contiguous land to be on the market in England in the last 30 years.
The Wildlife Trusts has so far raised £5.75m “through the donations of a few generous individuals” and its current purchase includes the Simonside Hills and a mixture of lowland, woods, riverside and farmland on the western side of the estate.
It has two years to secure the £30m needed to purchase the entire estate, which includes other associated fees including surveys, management and staff costs.
‘Precious piece of natural heritage’
The Wildlife Trusts, a federation of 46 charities including Northumberland Wildlife Trust, has begun the process of establishing a new charitable trust to own and manage the estate in the longer term.
It plans for the new charity to have trustees appointed to it from the Wildlife Trusts and Northumberland Wildlife Trust as well as others.
Craig Bennett, chief executive of the Wildlife Trusts, said: “This is a thrilling moment for the Wildlife Trusts who are working collectively – coming together from across the UK – to create a national flagship for nature recovery for the very first time. It’s a historic moment for our federation.
“The Rothbury Estate will come to play a key role in revitalising local economies, delivering multiple societal and environmental benefits – and it’ll provide the most amazing example for the rest of the country on a scale not seen before.
“We’re all absolutely delighted to be part of securing this precious piece of natural heritage for the nation and we want to hear from everyone who is keen to support our appeal.”
Long-term plan for the estate
Northumberland Wildlife Trust plans to work with the local community to create a new vision for the estate, “one which puts restoring nature at its heart”.
Mike Pratt, chief executive of Northumberland Wildlife Trust, said: “We’re very excited to be part of a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure a stunning area of countryside where people and nature can thrive side by side.
“It signals the start of something unique in Northumberland and it will also have an impact on a national scale.
“We’re looking forward to working with local people to create an exemplar of how nature, farming and community are integrated – something local people can feel immensely proud of.
“We’ll be talking and listening to people who live and work in the area over the coming months to evolve a long-term plan for the estate that respects its traditions and the livelihoods that depend on it.
“We will preserve and enhance public access and recreational opportunities to allow people to enjoy this wonderful place.”
