In a historic move heralded as a landmark moment for conservation in England, the Wildlife Trusts have acquired a significant portion of the Rothbury Estate, situated on the edge of Northumberland National Park. The purchase, conducted in collaboration with Northumberland Wildlife Trust, marks the first stage of a transformative project to restore the 3,850-hectare estate for the benefit of “nature and the nation”.

Plans are now underway for a second phase of the transaction to secure the remaining land, which constitutes the largest contiguous estate to come to market in England in three decades. The Trusts have pledged to work closely with local communities to shape the future of the site, which they envision as a beacon of large-scale nature recovery.

“We’re very excited to be part of a once in a generation opportunity for securing a stunning area of countryside where people and nature can thrive side by side,” said Mike Pratt, Chief Executive of Northumberland Wildlife Trust. “It signals the start of something unique in Northumberland and it will also have impact on a national scale.”

The estate’s varied terrain, spanning the Simonside Hills, lowlands, woodlands, riversides, and farmland, is home to a wealth of biodiversity. Among its inhabitants are curlews, red squirrels, cuckoos, and mountain bumblebees, as well as red grouse and merlin.

This ambitious conservation initiative also represents a shift in land use. Grouse and pheasant shooting, once prevalent on the estate, has been permanently discontinued. Craig Bennett, Chief Executive of the Wildlife Trusts, emphasised the reasoning behind the decision: “Obviously [allowing shoots] would not be appropriate for the Wildlife Trusts.”

Bennett outlined bold aspirations for the project, which seeks to position Northumberland as a premier destination for eco-tourism. “The Rothbury Estate will come to play a key role in revitalising local economies, delivering multiple societal and environmental benefits – and it’ll provide the most amazing example for the rest of the country on a scale not seen before,” he added. “We’re all absolutely delighted to be part of securing this precious piece of natural heritage for the nation.”

The acquisition has sparked widespread enthusiasm among conservationists and local residents alike. The Trusts are committed to ensuring public access, safeguarding the estate from fragmentation, and fostering sustainable opportunities for local farmers. Community consultations will guide the development of this vast project, which aims to balance ecological restoration with the economic and social needs of the region.

The Wildlife Trusts’ bold vision for the Rothbury Estate is set to become a blueprint for integrating nature recovery with livelihoods—offering hope for a future where people and wildlife can flourish together.

Image credit: Gabe Fender