A rare wild place is at a crossroads

Lying in the heart of Northumberland, the Rothbury Estate is a breathtaking mix of moorland, woodland, rivers and farmland. It's home to endangered wildlife, rich heritage and thriving rural communities.

Right now, it’s at risk of being sold off, divided and lost for nature.

If it’s sold off to multiple buyers, we will lose the opportunity to create a connected landscape which supports some of the country’s most threatened wildlife and preserves a rich cultural heritage going back thousands of years.

There’s still time to protect it, but we must act now. 

For the month of September, whatever you give will be doubled, up to £75,000. 

This is part of our wider fundraising efforts to raise £30 million by September 2026 to secure the future of this historic Estate. If you would like to discuss a major gift, please contact The Wildlife Trusts' major gifts fundraiser Debbie Johnson.

All funds raised - including any funds raised over our target amount - will go towards nature’s recovery at the Rothbury Estate. 

In the event we don’t raise enough funds to purchase the entire Estate or we are unable to complete the purchase for any reason, funds raised will go towards nature's recovery in the Simonside Hills and surrounding areas.

A once-in-a-generation opportunity

Stretching over 3,800 hectares, the Rothbury Estate in Northumberland is a unique and special place. Its moorlands, grasslands and woodlands are home to rare wildlife like red squirrels and curlew. You can see the deep connection between people and this landscape, from ancient rock carvings to historic buildings and the remains of an iron age settlement.  

If we don’t act now, we will lose the opportunity to safeguard this landscape, which has meant so much to people for thousands of years.  

Let's make history together.