Sir David Attenborough leads £30 million crusade to save England’s wild heart — The Rothbury estate

In one of the most ambitious conservation efforts in modern Britain, Sir David Attenborough has thrown his voice and influence behind a £30 million campaign to rescue one of England’s most historic landscapes — the Rothbury Estate in Northumberland.

Stretching across 15 square miles of rolling uplands, moorlands, woodlands, and rivers, the Rothbury Estate is being hailed as the largest single land opportunity for nature restoration in decades. Conservation groups — The Wildlife Trusts and Northumberland Wildlife Trust — are racing against time to purchase the estate before it is fragmented and sold off for commercial purposes that could threaten its ecological richness.

Sir David’s involvement has breathed new life into the appeal, which has already raised £8 million through donations ranging from £5 to £5 million. But with just one year left to raise the remaining £22 million, the clock is ticking.

A Vision to Rewild England’s Natural Heritage

In a heartfelt video message, the 98-year-old naturalist described Rothbury as a “heart-shaped expanse of moorland, rivers, forest, and upland that must be saved for future generations.” He evoked vivid imagery of the Simonside Hills, where the haunting call of curlews echoes through ancient ridges and red squirrels dart among the trees.

“These hills carry the footsteps of our ancestors,” Attenborough said. “Their ancient carvings remind us of a time when humans lived in harmony with nature. We have the chance to restore that balance again — but we must act now.”

If the campaign succeeds, the Wildlife Trusts intend to transform the estate into a haven for biodiversity through what they call a “four-pillar strategy” — protection, restoration, rewilding, and regenerative agriculture.

Nature’s Renaissance: From Red Squirrels to Golden Eagles

The Rothbury Estate already provides a home for endangered species such as red squirrels, lapwings, curlews, mountain bumblebees, and Atlantic salmon. Yet conservationists believe its potential is far greater.

Plans include restoring dried-out peatlands, reviving native woodlands, and introducing large herbivores such as hardy cattle, ponies, and potentially even European bison to graze the land naturally. These rewilding efforts aim to recreate the ecological balance that once defined northern England’s wilderness.

There are also hopes to see pine martens, beavers, and golden eagles reintroduced — species once native to these landscapes.

A Living Landscape for People and Nature

Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s chief executive, Mike Pratt, called the purchase a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do something big, bold, and meaningful for nature.”

The vision goes beyond conservation — it’s about creating a sustainable community. Local farmers will be supported to adopt nature-friendly farming practices, balancing food production with ecological recovery.

Plans also include new walking trails, a visitor and education centre, and even a dark skies observatory, allowing people to reconnect with the land — and the stars — in a way that both inspires and educates.

“This is not just about protecting wildlife,” Pratt explained. “It’s about giving people a stake in a living, breathing landscape that supports livelihoods, education, and the environment.”

The Rothbury Estate, once owned by the Duke of Northumberland’s family for over 700 years, lies at the heart of what conservationists envision as a 40-mile nature corridor, stretching from the North Sea coast to the Scottish border — a wild sanctuary for generations to come.

A Call to Action

Sir David’s message is simple yet powerful: “Please help us make this vision a reality.”
Those who wish to contribute can do so through the Rothbury Appeal at wildlifetrusts.org/rothbury-appeal.

As Britain faces unprecedented biodiversity loss, this campaign represents more than a local cause — it is a defining moment for the nation’s relationship with nature.

FAQ

1. What is the Rothbury Estate?
The Rothbury Estate is a 15-square-mile upland area in Northumberland, featuring moorlands, woodlands, rivers, and farmlands. It is one of the largest tracts of land to be put up for sale in England in decades.

2. Why is the Wildlife Trust trying to buy it?
The goal is to restore the landscape, protect endangered species, and promote nature-friendly farming while preventing the land from being sold for commercial use.

3. How much has been raised so far?
Around £8 million of the £30 million target has been raised through public and private donations.

4. What species live on the estate?
Current wildlife includes red squirrels, lapwings, curlews, and mountain bumblebees. Conservationists hope to reintroduce pine martens, beavers, and golden eagles.

5. How can I support the Rothbury Appeal?
Donations can be made directly at wildlifetrusts.org/rothbury-appeal