Bid to buy Rothbury Estate, Northumberland Wildlife Trust – Update (2026)
Back on 1 May 2025 we wrote about what felt like the start of a huge moment for the Simonside and Coquet Valley landscape in our article A New Era for Simonside.
Twelve months on, the story has moved on significantly and the scale of support has become clearer.
£10 million milestone reached
On the final day of 2025 the appeal to purchase the Rothbury Estate passed the £10 million mark.
The target remains £30 million, but the fundraising effort has gathered remarkable momentum. Support has come from:
- major donors contributing millions
- thousands of smaller donations
- local fundraising events in Rothbury
- international supporters
- a public appeal backed by Sir David Attenborough
Northumberland Wildlife Trust describe the project as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to protect and restore a landscape at the heart of a 40-mile nature corridor stretching from the Northumberland coast to the Scottish border.
At 9,500 acres, the estate is one of the largest areas of land offered for sale in England in decades and includes terrain many local walkers know intimately.
What the plans involve
If the purchase succeeds, the intention is long-term habitat restoration and nature recovery on a large scale.
The Trust has spoken about:
- restoring peat bogs
- improving habitats for species such as curlew, pine marten, beaver and golden eagle
- nature-friendly farming
- opening additional footpaths
- connecting wildlife habitats across Northumberland
There has even been early discussion that, far in the future, species like European bison could potentially return, although the Trust has stressed this would only happen with local agreement.
Strong support – but also strong debate
A BBC report this week described the issue locally as “as divisive as Brexit”, which probably sums up just how important the landscape is to people here.
Supporters see a chance to safeguard the hills for future generations and prevent the land being broken up. Community groups in Rothbury have already raised funds themselves.
Others, particularly within farming, worry about changes to grazing levels, rural employment and how the character of the area might evolve.
Both views stem from the same place: people care deeply about these hills.
Why it matters to walkers
For those who spend time in the Simonside area, this is not an abstract conservation story.
It affects a landscape used daily by:
- local residents
- visitors
- challenge walkers
- families discovering the outdoors
- and many of our own Shepherds Walks participants
One consistent message from the Trust is that public access would remain and potentially increase, with new routes and restored habitats forming part of a long-term vision.
What happens next
The Trust has until September 2026 to raise the remaining funds.
Crossing £10 million is a major step, but the next year will determine whether the full purchase can be secured or whether the estate passes to another buyer and possibly becomes fragmented.
Whatever your viewpoint, this is one of the most significant land decisions Northumberland has faced in decades.
We will continue to follow developments and share updates as the story unfold
So what are your thoughts?
Please leave your thoughts in the comment box below.
Cathy
Not sure it is correct to portray local opinion as split 50/50 on the Wildlife Trust’s purchase of the Rothbury Estate or even that there is huge local controversy. All change causes anxiety but very few would want the estate broken up or used for mass conifer plantation as
might be the case if the land was acquired for purely commercial gain. The Wildlife Trust is working with and listening to local farmers and residents and helping to address any anxieties. Would other potential landowners do the same?
Ian Leigh
As a member of Northumberland Wildlife Trust I have contributed towards the purchase of this parcel of land and agree with the proposals made by the Trust and David Attenborough. I just hope the money can be raised.