Sir David Attenborough Leads Call to Save Rothbury Estate
A passionate new environmental campaign is gaining momentum in the UK — and it’s being championed by none other than Sir David Attenborough. The world-renowned naturalist has thrown his support behind a bold £30 million plan to purchase the historic Rothbury Estate in Northumberland, one of the largest areas of land to go on sale in England in decades.
The Rothbury Estate spans about 15 square miles of upland countryside — a mix of former grouse moor, woodland, and farmland. Conservationists believe this land could become a vital link in what’s being described as a 40-mile “wild corridor,” stretching from the Northumberland coast all the way to Kielder and even to the Scottish border. It’s a vision of nature restored and thriving — but it will only happen if enough funds are raised in time.
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The Wildlife Trusts, along with the Northumberland Wildlife Trust, have been given two years — until October 2026 — to raise the full £30 million needed to buy the entire estate. If they fall short, the land could be broken up and sold off privately, a move that conservationists fear could set back decades of ecological progress.
Sir David, in a heartfelt video message, urged people to act before it’s too late. He spoke of the beauty and significance of the Simonside Hills that rise above the estate — where walkers admire breathtaking views, listen for the haunting calls of curlews, and watch red squirrels darting through the trees. He reminded everyone that these landscapes are not just scenic backdrops but living ecosystems shaped by history, wildlife, and human connection.
About £8 million has already been raised through public donations ranging from as little as £5 to as much as £5 million. But with two-thirds of the target still to go, campaigners are racing against time. Mike Pratt, Chief Executive of Northumberland Wildlife Trust, described the effort as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” — a chance to restore large-scale natural habitats, improve access to the countryside, and create a legacy for future generations.
The estate is home to an impressive variety of wildlife, including curlews, lapwings, cuckoos, red squirrels, and even Atlantic salmon and critically endangered eels. The plan is to reintroduce natural grazing animals such as ponies, hardy cattle, and potentially bison, while also creating conditions for species like pine martens, beavers, and golden eagles to return.
Sir David’s message was clear and heartfelt: this is a chance to bring people and nature together once more. “Please help us make this vision a reality,” he said. And with his words, a renewed sense of hope has been breathed into one of the most ambitious nature recovery projects England has ever seen.
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