One Planet News: £Millions awarded to wildlife conservation 💚
By Annette J Beveridge
With nature and the environment so greatly under threat, it is great to have some good news to share.
The Wildlife Trusts and Northumberland Wildlife Trust have just been awarded £5m towards The Rothbury Estate appeal, from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. This Incredible and significant contribution takes the fundraiser, which has only months left to reach the target, to over £16 million.
The land has been described as a heart-shaped haven with incredible views, hidden valleys and rivers teeming with life. The land which also includes rolling moorlands, and woodlands creates diverse habitats.
The aim is to secure the purchase of the entire 3,800-hectare estate in the heart of Northumberland – in what will become one of the most ambitious nature recovery projects in the UK.
Liz Bonnin, President of the Wildlife Trusts, said:
“This grant is a major step towards securing the beautiful and historic Rothbury Estate for nature and people, long into the future.
“The opportunity for us to shape the next chapter in its story is incredibly exciting, and we are so grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for their backing. Not only have they provided incredibly generous financial support, but their enthusiasm and understanding of our vision for this unique and special place has been truly uplifting.”
The appeal has gained widespread support from individuals and organisations across the country and beyond, including Sir David Attenborough, and most recently, polar explorer and Northumbrian, Conrad Dickinson.
Conrad Dickinson, President of Northumberland Wildlife Trust, said:
“This is just such fantastic news; we’re absolutely delighted to be awarded this funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The £5m takes us over the halfway point in our fundraising, with just over six months left to go. It’s a moment to celebrate and give thanks for all the support this appeal has received. Together, I know we can reach the £30m target to purchase this beautiful Estate, a place so very close to my heart.”
The Rothbury Estate offers an extraordinary, once-in-a-generation opportunity to restore nature at scale, strengthen nature-friendly farming, improve public access, and safeguard the rich archaeology and cultural heritage of this historic landscape.
Mike Pratt, Chief Executive of Northumberland Wildlife Trust, said:
“While there is still a significant area of land to secure, we’re already working closely with tenant farmers on parts of the Estate. Together, we’re establishing nature-friendly farming approaches that support wildlife while keeping farms productive.
“It gives us a glimpse of what’s possible. With the opportunity to secure the rest of the Estate – which we’re that bit closer to realising today – we can scale up this work and create a landscape where farming and nature truly thrive together.”
The vision is for nature and people to thrive side by side. Nature-friendly farming helps wildlife to thrive while remaining productive and where improved access and pathways allow more people to explore and enjoy the landscape.
Securing the estate will enable the restoration of habitats from curlews to red squirrels.
Mike Pratt, Chief Executive of Northumberland Wildlife Trust said:
“While there is still a significant area of land to secure, we’re already working closely with tenant farmers on parts of the Estate. Together, we’re establishing nature-friendly farming approaches that support wildlife while keeping farms productive.
“It gives us a glimpse of what’s possible. With the opportunity to secure the rest of the Estate – which we’re that bit closer to realising today – we can scale up this work and create a landscape where farming and nature truly thrive together.”
If you would like to help fundraise, please click here: Rothbury Estate