Sir David Attenborough, now in his hundredth year, has stepped forward to champion the £30m Rothbury Appeal on its first anniversary in a bid to create a major step-change for nature recovery in the UK. 

Sir David’s support comes at a critical time because there is just one year left to raise the £30 million needed to complete the purchase of the historic Rothbury Estate. Over £8 million has already been raised from individual donations ranging from £5 to £5 million.  

This vast upland – at 9,500 acres, it is the size of Athens – is the largest area of land to be put on sale in England in decades. It offers huge scope for restoring nature, at scale, to benefit both wildlife and people. 

Sir David Attenborough says: 

“Time is running out to save the historic Rothbury Estate. This huge, heart-shaped expanse of moorland, rivers, forest and upland in Northumberland needs your help. People know and love the Simonside Hills that rise here. They walk the ridges and listen for the calls of the curlew. They watch for red squirrels and admire the views as they scramble among the crags. They walk along its remote paths and marvel at the astonishing rock carvings left by our distant ancestors, who once lived here.  

“The Wildlife Trusts have launched an appeal to buy this very special place. They will work with local farmers to care for the area and breathe new life into its precious wildlife habitats. 

With the communities who live and work at Rothbury, The Wildlife Trusts will create a place where people and nature can thrive side by side. Please help us make this vision a reality. Thank you.” 

The size of the Rothbury Estate gives it great potential to contribute to nature restoration targets in the UK once it is secured. Restoring its habitats for wildlife such as curlew, pine marten, beaver and golden eagle 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. 

The Wildlife Trusts, in partnership with Northumberland Wildlife Trust, have ambitious plans to integrate nature recovery with farming, recreation, education and tourism on the estate. In October 2024 they were given two years to raise the funds to buy the whole estate in its entirety – now there is just one year left. 

Craig Bennett, chief executive of The Wildlife Trusts, says: 

“We’re extremely grateful to Sir David for championing the Rothbury Appeal at such a vital time for nature recovery in the UK. He has been a staunch supporter of The Wildlife Trusts for over 60 years and he understands what a huge difference securing this land could make for wildlife and for future generations. This opportunity is extraordinary, but so is the threat. If The Wildlife Trusts fail to acquire the Rothbury Estate in its entirety by autumn 2026, it is likely it will be broken up into separate landholdings, with many planted with non-native conifers for commercial forestry.” 

Katy Barke, head of nature recovery at Northumberland Wildlife Trust, says: 

“The Rothbury Estate is at the heart of the local community who live here and work its land – and people travel to the Simonside Hills from far afield to enjoy the views and see the ancient rock carvings and Iron Age hill fort. We’ve been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for this wonderful place, and we’ve received messages of support from around the world.”  

Sir David’s support comes hot on the heels of a welcome funding boost from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, an award of £250,000 will lay the foundations for the future of the Rothbury Estate and ensure that work begins to understand its special wildlife and heritage so that it can be cared for, protected and enhanced. 

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