One Planet News: An Amazing Valentine's Day Win for Nature

Polar Explorer Conrad Dickinson shares his love for the Rothbury Estate with a new film.

By Annette J Beveridge

Two generous donations have helped the Wildlife Trust progress towards purchasing the historic Rothbury Estate in Northumberland.

A philanthropist and the Monday Charitable Trust have both shared their support for nature, giving £1 million and £500,000 respectively to the appeal. The donations took the total raised over the £11.5 million mark just weeks after the £10 million milestone was reached.

The purchase target is a substantial £30 million, and the funds must be raised by September 2026 if the Rothbury Estate purchase is to be successful, so these two large donations have come at the perfect time this Valentine’s Day.

The donations also demonstrate a commitment to wildlife and help maintain fundraising momentum.

To celebrate moving into the final months of fundraising, The Wildlife Trusts and Northumberland Wildlife Trust are excited to share a brand-new short film narrated by one of the world’s most renowned polar explorers and proud ‘born and bred’ Northumbrian, and president of Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Conrad Dickinson.

The Head of Nature Recovery at Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Katy Barke, said: “These two major donations coming at the start of the final year of fundraising to purchase the historic Rothbury Estate have been so exciting and heart-warming.

“To know that there is so much support for the campaign is fantastic, and we are so appreciative of every single one of the donations we have received. This fantastic start to the year has been hugely inspiring and rejuvenating. This is the year we can make protecting the future of the Rothbury Estate happen!”

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The clock is ticking on this once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure the future of the Rothbury Estate in Northumberland; a place of rare beauty, steeped in human history, with rolling moorlands, woodlands and wide-open starry skies. This heart-shaped haven, stretching over 3,800 hectares, holds spectacular views, hidden valleys and rivers alive with life.

Conrad is backing the campaign to purchase the Rothbury Estate and has helped to create this short film, showcasing the beauty of the estate whilst highlighting the importance of appeal success not just for nature but for people too.

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Conrad Dickinson said: “This is a unique and important moment in time, not just for Northumberland but for the nation. This opportunity to bring a vision to life on the Rothbury Estate, where nature and people thrive side by side, is extraordinary, and I hope people across the UK and the world are inspired when watching this short film to donate, support the appeal and show their love for this wonderful estate.

“This is a special place, close to my heart. Let’s work together to raise the funds to make this vision a reality.”

The Wildlife Trusts and Northumberland Wildlife Trust have already secured part of the estate, including the Simonside Hills, but in just eight months, the appeal must reach its £30m target to buy the rest.

Send a virtual Valentine’s gift this year by making a donation and showing your love for nature at www.wildlifetrusts.org/rothbury-virtual-valentine