The largest appeal in The Wildlife Trusts’ history needs a further £9m to reach its target as it asks businesses and individuals for ‘a momentous final effort’ in fundraising.
The 9,500-acre Rothbury Estate in Northumberland—the largest piece of land to come to market in England for over 30 years—stands at a historic turning point, after more than seven centuries in the ownership of the Percy family.
It represents the largest and most ambitious fundraising appeal in the history of The Wildlife Trusts and has already reached £20.7m thanks to the generous support of over 23,000 donors, including several high value pledges.
The Wildlife Trusts have already managed to purchase part of the Estate, including the Simonside Hills.
Together with fundraising partner Northumberland Wildlife Trust, the appeal now has just under two months to raise £30 million and secure the purchase of the entire Estate.
Donations from £5 to £5 million have already been received, including from renowned North East tea brand Ringtons which donated £50,000 and helped generate further funds through a public facing match-funded appeal.
Colin Smith, 4th generation family member and director, Ringtons, said: “As a family business, we understand better than most that some things are worth protecting for generations to come.
“This campaign aligns perfectly with the aims of The Ringtons Environmental Fund specifically established to support causes that are good for the planet. We hope this gift helps ensure Rothbury is still standing, wild and beautiful, for our grandchildren’s grandchildren.”
Another generous donation of £650,000 has come from the Samworth Foundation, an East Midlands based foundation which funds efforts to help people and nature worldwide.
If the appeal falls short, permissions are in place for commercial forestry on large parts of the Estate.
Craig Bennett OBE, chief executive of The Wildlife Trusts, says: “We’ve been bowled over by the response to the appeal to secure this beautiful and inspiring place, with funding and offers of help pouring in from all over the UK and further afield.
“We’ve still got a bit of a climb to get to the summit, but the thousands of messages of personal support show just how strongly people feel about The Rothbury Estate and believe in our vision for its future, and I feel sure we can do it.
“In the words of Sir David Attenborough, ‘Please help us make this vision a reality’.”
As the country battles ongoing drought, The Rothbury Estate has the potential to use our greatest ally in tackling climate impacts; nature.
Peatland and river corridor restoration, alongside woodland pasture creation, will enable the landscape to store more water and become more resilient to prolonged dry spells, whilst also preventing flash floods during periods of extreme rainfall and protecting livestock and soil health during extreme heat.
These benefits for local people are supported by plans for farming, which has been an integral part of the history of the Estate for centuries.
Details on how to donate can be found here.
