Key facts
- The Rothbury estate spans over 3,800 hectares (nearly 15 sq miles).
- The estate includes hills, wild moorland, valley woodlands, the River Coquet, and farm fields.
- £17 million of the total funds came from public donations.
- The project aims to restore habitats and increase populations of species like water voles, pine martens, and curlews.
- The trust plans to create a 40-mile nature corridor from the coast to the Scottish border.
- Some local farmers have expressed concerns about food production and land management changes.
The Wildlife Trusts have successfully raised £30 million to purchase the Rothbury estate in Northumberland, marking a significant step for nature recovery in England. The campaign, championed by Sir David Attenborough, attracted widespread public support, contributing £17 million of the total funds. The 3,800-hectare estate, featuring diverse habitats including moorland, woodlands, and the River Coquet, will be rewilded with the aim of restoring ecosystems and increasing native species populations. The National Lottery Heritage Fund provided a crucial £5 million, with the government also pledging £1.94 million. While the project has garnered significant enthusiasm from volunteers and conservationists, some local farmers have voiced concerns regarding food production and traditional land management practices.